"No one has ever become poor by giving." – Anne Frank

Have you ever stopped to reflect on the blessings that surround you each day? The clean water you drink, the food on your table, the education that lights your path, and the healthcare that comforts you in times of need-these are all privileges that many of us take for granted. Imagine waking up each morning without a second thought about these essentials. But have you considered that for countless others, even a single meal, a sip of clean water, or basic medical care are distant, almost unattainable dreams?

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For some, a new day is just another battle. A battle to find food, to stay warm, to survive. It’s easy to become complacent when these struggles are not our own. But the truth is, the distance between "us" and "them" is not so vast. A sudden illness, a natural disaster, or an economic downturn could swiftly shift our circumstances. In an instant, we could go from being the one who offers support to being the one in need of help. This fragile boundary between security and desperation reminds us that charity is not just a noble act; it is a shared responsibility. It’s a lifeline we may one day find ourselves grasping for. By extending our compassion and support today, we are investing in a world where everyone, including ourselves, has a safety net when life’s uncertainties strike

Every year, on September 5th, the world unites to celebrate International Charity Day. This day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a call to action. It's a day that reminds us of the extraordinary power of giving and the profound impact it can have on the lives of those who need it most. Charity is not merely about writing a check; it's about extending a hand, sharing a meal, offering a kind word, and, most importantly, recognizing the shared humanity in all of us.

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Imagine a simple shoebox. For most of us, it’s just a container, often discarded without a second thought. But in 2011, in Toronto, Canada, four sisters-in-law-Jessica, Caroline, Vanessa, and Katy-saw something different. They noticed that while holiday drives often focused on children, their mothers were left without the same support. What if, they wondered, this simple shoebox could be transformed into a vessel of hope, filled with small luxuries that could brighten the lives of women facing homelessness?With that thought, The Shoebox Project was born. The idea was simple: fill a shoebox with thoughtful, essential items-a cozy pair of socks, a bar of soap with a lovely scent, maybe a small note of encouragement-and deliver it to a woman who could use a little extra kindness. What started as a modest goal to collect 156 shoeboxes quickly grew beyond their wildest expectations. That first holiday season, their project snowballed, and they ended up collecting 400 shoeboxes, spreading joy and warmth to women in shelters across the city. What made this project truly special was not just the items inside the boxes, but the heartfelt notes from strangers, reminding these women that they were seen, valued, and cared for. The Shoebox Project showed us all that charity doesn’t have to be grandiose to be meaningful; sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that leave the deepest impact.

This year’s theme, “Fighting Poverty and Improving Education and Health,” delves deep into the core of our humanity. Poverty, lack of education, and poor health are not just challenges-they are barriers that keep millions of people trapped in cycles of despair. These issues are deeply interconnected, forming a vicious cycle that can seem impossible to break. But here’s the truth: charity has the power to disrupt this cycle, to offer a lifeline, and to carve a path toward a brighter future.

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In the heart of Sri Lanka, where the beauty of the landscape contrasts sharply with the struggles of its people, the Rotaract Club of IIT stands as a beacon of hope. We are not just another club; we are a force of compassion, leading the way in charity across the nation. Among the many Rotaract clubs in Sri Lanka, we take pride in our commitment to making a difference, especially in the areas that matter most-poverty, education, and health.

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Poverty is not just about lacking money; it’s about missing out on opportunities and not having a fair chance in life. To help break this cycle, different initiatives have been started. One important initiative is the ‘WeCan’ project by the Rotaract Club of IIT. This project focuses on raising awareness about menstrual health and hygiene, which is often a topic many don’t talk about because of societal taboos. ‘WeCan’ has not only encouraged open discussions but has also taken action by donating reusable pad kits to young women in poor areas. As Bono from U2 sings in "One," “We’re one, but we’re not the same, we get to carry each other, carry each other.” This line perfectly captures the spirit of the WeCan project. The project aims to lift up those who are often forgotten by breaking the cycle of ignorance and stigma around menstruation. Through awareness sessions, pad donations, and open conversations, “WeCan” helps both young women and men feel comfortable talking about menstrual health. This creates a more informed and caring society. By addressing this often ignored part of poverty, WeCan is making sure that no one is left behind.

Education is often called the key to a brighter future. But for many in our country, that key is out of reach. To change this, the Rotaract Club of IIT has worked hard to make quality education more accessible, especially by narrowing the gap between rural and urban students in computer skills. Through our main project, E-mithudama, which is part of the “X-Labs” initiative, we’ve helped rural schools by providing them with the computer resources they desperately need. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” With E-mithudama, we strive to give the next generation the knowledge and skills they need to break free from poverty.

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Health forms the foundation of life. Without good health, even the brightest futures can lose their promise. A shining example of this commitment to health is the Young at Hearts project by the Rotaract Club of IIT. This initiative offers free clinical health check-ups in underprivileged areas, reaching those who often go without the care they need. Inspired by the words from the movie Patch Adams, “You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win, no matter what the outcome,” this project embraces a holistic approach to healthcare. It's not just about treating illnesses; it’s about caring for people with dignity and compassion, ensuring they have the support they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

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But what truly sets the Rotaract Club of IIT apart is our unwavering commitment to leading by example. We don’t just talk about charity; we live it. Our members are on the ground, working side by side with those we aim to help. We believe that charity is not just about giving; it’s about connecting, understanding, and sharing in the lives of others.

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This International Charity Day, we invite you to join us in our mission. Whether it’s through volunteering your time, donating resources, or simply spreading the word, you can make a difference. Together, we can fight poverty, improve education, and enhance health-not just in Sri Lanka, but around the world. Because in the end, charity is not just about what we give, but how we give. It’s about the love, compassion, and hope we bring into the lives of others. And that is something the Rotaract Club of IIT is committed to, today and always.