Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 13: Johnlyn Toy & Book Exchange on August 13 presented toy hampers to 36 balikas from Balikashrama, Kankanady, here.

Balikashrama is part of Ishwarananda Mahila Sevashram, founded in 1928 and named after Swamy Ishwarananda, which was the name of Kudumul Ranga Rao in his Sanyas Ashram. The batch of balikas invited to receive the toys were aged between six and eleven years and had apparently not held in their hands a toy or plaything before they were presented their personal hampers. So, they were delighted to receive and have for themselves a variety of dolls, toys, playthings and children’s books.

A team from Johnlyn Toys visited Balikashrama, joined at the venue by two local corporators – Asha D’Silva (Valencia) and Sabita Misquith (Shivbaug) - who took turns to present the toy hampers to the balikas, along with John Monteiro, founder of Johnlyn Toy & Book Exchange and his core team members, Primrose Monteiro-D’Souza and Mohan Monteiro. The event was recorded courtesy John Tauro, who also helped in setting the scene.

The short function which included an abridged version of Bondel Laughter Club protocol anchored by John Monteiro with the balikas enthusiastically joining in, songs by them and refreshments for them.

This is the fifth outreach programme of Johnlyn Toys, so far covering about 150 children of the 2200 such in Mangaluru and its suburbs alone.

John Monteiro said that the continued success of the programme critically depends on sustained inflow of toys and books from enlightened donors. He can be contacted on 9886276608.