Chennai-based Anbagam has put out a call for assistance to the city’s hospitality sector. Seeking non-financial support, the outfit has appealed to hotels and restaurants in its vicinity to support it with food and meals for its inmates.
Established by TERDOD, a public Charitable Trust in 1999, Anbagam was founded at the residential premises of its founder in Chennai. The organisation was shifted to its present premises at Vichur, ‘where it houses mentally ill and destitute men and women’ with where it houses ‘aging people as well as mentally ill and destitute men and women’.
“Currently, we house 38 women and 29 men who pay a monthly fee. In addition to lodging, we provide them three meals in the dining hall, entertainment in the form of TV and newspapers as well as personal service in the form of interacting with family members, prayer service and basic banking service, etc,” said Kavita Viziakumar, Women Program Director. “We seek support from the city’s hospitality sector in the form of external interaction as well as sponsorship of meals or sharing lunch on special days.”
She added that the institution’s staff includes two lady cooks who had been associated with Anbagam for over 13 years. “They start their day at 5.30, preparing and serving three meals for all inmates. We would appreciate any hotel extending the support by providing breakfast on weekdays to our inmates. This can be basic fare and nothing ostentatious,” she added.
She also requested that the kitchen sinks and washing area in the kitchen need a complete revamp. “We would be grateful if hoteliers can send us the inventory in the form of washing machines or civil support to rehaul it,” Viziakumar implored.
