Taking CSR to Outreach :
An HDFC - SMILE Example

HDFC (Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited) has joined Smile Foundation as one of its exemplary partners under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

HDFC has thus set a rare example of taking CSR to the outreach. Under this partnership, HDFC has joined hands with Smile Foundation to work for the welfare of orphans through education, health care and holistic development approach in remote western part of Orissa.

Smile Foundation has been supporting four orphanages in Sambalpur region of Orissa, reaching out to around 158 orphan children with residential facilities. Established by individuals/ freedom fighters, these orphanages were finding it difficult to sustain themselves financially on their own and with government assistance too.

Smile Foundation took up the task of financial and technical assistance to these orphanages for running various education, regular health care, nutritional support, vocational and higher education programmes. To manage the projects efficiently and at par for day to day activities, the foundation has partnered with a local credible organization called “UTSARGA”.

Though the ongoing support from Smile foundation has been able to bring about considerable developments in the project sites to the benefit of the inmates residing in the orphanages, SMILE believed that more resources both financial and technical is essential to bring the desired changes and strengthen the existing infrastructure.

This much-needed and essential assistance came at the right time from the Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC), the premier finance institution of India. The positive social action under the CSR agenda of HDFC will not only provide the necessary help for the inmates but also help in empowering individuals with dignity and with a sense of belongingness to the society. HDFC has partnered to finance all capital expenses and part of the recurring costs towards the project amounting 2, 00,000 INR. The project is meant for the year 2007-08.

With the financial assistance received from HDFC as part of CSR collaboration, SMILE would try to fill the gap in basic amenities and facilities; provide for awareness creation, recreational facilities and nutritional supplements along with already ongoing educational and health care programmes for improving the lives of the children on a regular basis.

Smile Foundation believes that HDFC and its interest in social commitment for the welfare of needy people would go a long way in setting a standard of excellence in corporate social responsibility in South Asia.

Smile Foundation welcomes HDFC to its exclusive CSR Club !

for more details on the ongoing SMILE interventions in Orphanages of Orissa, kindly click here >>