Spare change dropped into counter top collection boxes at IIMPACT Partner VFS Global’s Indian Passport & Visa offices around Australia has contributed to a collection of over $3,000, enabling IIMPACT to sponsor two Learning Centres for 60 girls over a year!  With the collection arrangements established in late January 2013, this amount has been raised in just three months, thanks to the generosity of VFS Global clients as well as their staff who have made contributions.

Loren D’Souza, Regional Head for SE Asia & Pacific Rim at VFS Global said, “VFS Australia is delighted to support IIMPACT through our India Passport & Visa Service Centres in Australia.  Transforming rural Indian communities by educating the girl child is a cause that appeals to Australians.  We are encouraging our staff to get involved as well.”

Nirmala Tandon, a founding member and CEO of IIMPACT Trust in Gurgaon, India said, “This is a fantastic beginning! The first Learning Centre sponsored by IIMPACT in Australia will be in Rajasthan.”  Ms Tandon extended an invitation to all IIMPACT members and donors saying, “When you visit India, you must visit this centre. This first centre will always remain close to your heart.”

IIMPACT in Australia is following the philosophy of ensuring 100% of donor funds go straight through to the education of the girl child, so the entire amount can fund one year of operation of the new Learning Centre.

Dilip Rao, President of IIMPACT in Australia said, “It’s amazing how a little effort and small sacrifices on our part can change the lives of girls in India who would otherwise have never received an education.  We can now aim for sustainable contributions with the support of Australians who care to make a difference.”

Please visit iimpact.org.au to join the local IIMPACT team.  You will soon be able to make an online donation as well and get actively engaged in our work.