The annual Chinmaya Mission Boston Charity Walk and picnic was held on Sept 30, 2018 at the Great Brook State Farm in Carlisle. It was well attended with over 190 participants. Participants included 4-year-olds, an 84-year-old, and everything in between. The event kicked off with a prayer by Dr. Shashiji followed by stretching exercises. The 3-mile walk/run was flagged off promptly after that. This was followed by a picnic with activities that included face painting, frisbee, and ball games that were enjoyed by everyone present. With generous contribution from the CMB Community, over twelve thousand dollars was raised. Funds collected will be distributed between a global and a local organization/cause.
Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development (CORD) and Merrimack valley gas disaster relief fund, have been chosen this year. CORD is an India-based non-profit organization to help the disadvantaged transform their lives through self-help programs. In operation since 1985, under the leadership of Dr. Kshama Metre, who was recognized with the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2008 by the Government of India. CORD supports over 700 villages in Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, providing help to over 150,000 villagers Merrimack Valley Gas Disaster Relief fund was chosen for local charity this year. The fund was launched to provide short-term assistance for things like shelter, food and health services as thousands of residents in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover who have been without gas since Sept. 13 cope with the circumstances until the restoration of service.