Time of Fast

Time of Fast – The Spirit of Y's Men

In normal fund raising campaigns money is raised by advertisements and public calls for people who are willing to donate. But very rarely do these people are made to realise the value of their contributions by way of the difference it would make to the lives of the underprivileged. But in TOF the money comes in from the people who voluntarily give up one meal and thereby equate themselves with the everyday life of the poor and the needy. Thus the participants get to know the feel of hunger and also what a meal can mean to someone who had been without food for days. Despite the scientific advancements it is a pity that we still have people around the world who go to bed with an empty stomach day after day. The irony is that we are able to develop warheads, which can wipe off a whole continent in a matter of minutes but not ways by which we can assure at least one meal a day to the poor and the needy.

This global programme of Y’sdom recognises that both poverty stricken and 'rich' countries have communities in need of help. The programmes implemented under TOF are designed specifically to cater to the needs of the local community. In Burma, TOF maintains safe childcare facilities allowing mothers to work and support their families. In Togo, food mills are developed by the people to help feed their community. In Columbia, work with handicapped children gives them new zest for life. In Sioux communities, programmes help residents cope with depression and social abuses.

The fund raising ideas for TOF are very much reflective of the diversity that Y'sdom encompasses amidst its members.

Selling Christmas trees in Minneapolis;
Selling of home made crafts in Peru;
Carol singing and sale of Christmas cakes in India;
Conduct of flea markets in Denmark;
Used books and white elephants auctions;
Barbecues, cookouts and food booths;

These are just some of the ideas that have been working quite well and helping with our efforts to make a positive difference to the lives of the unfortunate many around each of us.