We wish to thank all those who have read our July Newsletter and those who have sent us donations. The total from this special appeal was, with Gift Aid enhancement, £4670. This is a splendid result as we all know how difficult it has been for all charities over the last 18 months and with uncertainty still ahead for the future. We have maintained our increased payments to families throughout the COVID period and this will continue until the situation improves. We will be in contact again towards the end of this year with an update.
Our Indian partner trustees wish to thank you all for your “magnanimity” (their word) in contributing to this good cause, and have sent the update below:
Colleges and schools for students from 9th to 12th Standard have re-opened today, 1st September, on a rotational basis (50% students attending colleges/ schools on alternate days) in the state of Tamil Nadu. The schools for students from 1st to 9th standard (from 5 to age 12) are likely to re-open after two or three weeks, depending upon the prevailing Covid 19 situation at the time.
The construction of seven houses to accommodate seven poor families in the former children`s home buildings is progressing, though extra costs eg individual electric meters for each house and local authority planning approval are delaying matters a little. At least six houses should be completed within four months and paid for through funding already in hand.
We currently support 110 children, and there are always new applicants for help. Mrs Leela, our children’s liaison officer and secretary, is currently visiting homes of new children seeking help, to ascertain their circumstances.
As of Monday this week, new Covid cases are running at 46,000 per day, a big drop from previous figures, but with the easing of restrictions the figures are expected to rise with the threat of a third wave still not ruled out.
Neil Fairlamb
on behalf of Grail Trust UK
All Saints Vicarage, Tilford, Surrey, GU10 2DA
01252 792333
