One of the most significant charitable and social welfare organisations of Auckland has launched a quarterly Newsletter to appraise its members, beneficiaries, benefactors and the community of its activities and development programmes.
Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust Inc Project Manager Indu Bajaj said the Newsletter was a major step forward in creating a platform for exchange of information.
“We hope to make this quarterly publication a valuable communication tool, with articles and reports of events and programmes,” she said, addressing a meeting of officials, funding organisations, members of the Trust and invited guests prior to Christmas holidays.
The Cultural Committee of the Auckland Central and Manukau Centres of the Trust organised the programme at its Onehunga premises.
Ms Bajaj said Shanti Niwas has been working to develop and deliver culturally appropriate in-home and community based social services for older people who have moderate to high needs and who are confined to home during the week.
“Our goal is to reduce social isolation and loneliness, empower seniors to make their own decisions and design and deliver programmes to support and enhance the wellbeing of older people of Indian origin,” she said.
Co-Social Worker Neelima Venkat acknowledged the support and patronage of funding organisations including the Auckland Health Board, Community Organisation Grant Scheme, Lottery Grant Board, Social Development Ministry and United Way of New Zealand.
The entertainment programme included a short skit on the Birth of Baby Jesus, the story of Three Kings, with Psalms and Hymns from the Bible, Christmas Carols and music by Jimmie Dale and his Group.
Awards, citations and gifts were presented to a number of former Committee Members and volunteers.
-With reporting by Tuhina Seth
