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 >>
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