Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Feb 20: Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangaluru, launched 'Donate A Tile With A Smile,' a movement to raise funds for people in need at Bishop's House Mangaluru on Tuesday, February 20.

The movement, named 'Moga Na'llo' in Konkani, was initiated by Canara Organisation for Development and Peace (CODP) on the occasion of its golden jubilee. The organization urges community members to donate their Lenten sacrifices to the cause with the intention of 'A roof over every family.'

Launching the "Moga Nallo'' movement, Bishop said, "For a few years, CODP, through the Lenten season, collected donations from the faithful for various needs of the poor, especially for shelter. At the same time, philanthropist Michael D'Souza joined the mission of CODP, and because of his financial contribution and under his suggestion, the organization has spent approximately three crores on 75 new houses for people in need in the Diocese. Despite this, many applications for help have been pending, and new ones have been pouring in. To cater to these requests, CODP and the core committee decided to start the movement 'Donate A Tile With A Smile.' By donating Rs 10,000, anyone can join in this movement, which will help build a house for the homeless. In this project, a donor will receive a tile as a token of gratitude. If a donor contributes Rs 50,000, he will receive a certificate of movement from the Bishop with five tiles as a token of gratitude. The number of tiles a donor receives will indicate how much he contributed to the movement.

"Christians are reserving the Lenten season for sacrifices to wipe the tears of the needy. There are hundreds of families around us without shelter. This is a golden opportunity to bring a smile to their faces by donating some savings for their new homes. Organizations like SVP, parish councils, and parish priests will also actively participate in this movement with the slogan 'A Roof Over Every Family,'" Bishop added.

The bishop also released the appeal of the movement and felicitated the donors by handing over tiles.

Fr Vincent D'Souza welcomed the dignitaries and gathered with the introduction of the 'Donate A Tile With A Smile' moment.

Core committee members of the movement, Stevan Pinto, Louis Pinto, Irene Rebello, Diocesan Pastoral Council Secretary John D'Silva, and others were present.

People who wish to contribute the movement may felicitate as below

80G Income tax exemption reciept can be made available for the donores who require it. Donors will be feliciated with a memento- Miniature tile
Donors of five or more tiles will be given a certificate by Bishop
Account Name: CODP(REGD)
Name of the bank: Indian Overseas Bank
Account Number: 157201000000015
IFSC Code: IOBA0001572
Branch: Padavu Branch