Volunteers
Each year, over 300 volunteers travel across oceans to lend their hearts and hands to Calcutta’s poor. Their combined talents and resources annually light up the lives of children in Calcutta Mercy Hospital, encourage impoverished families seeking a daily meal, and share in the stories of primary school students.
Kari Westlund
I fell in love with the colorful, delightful culture and people of India years ago, while volunteering at a university filled with international students. My heart for internationals and impoverished children only grew during the seven years I taught kindergarten, English as a Second Language, and Special Education to children living in the inner city of Dallas, Texas. Now when I look into the eyes of the disadvantaged children of India, I see their untapped potential. I know they truly are kids with destiny, a hope, and a future. I’m thrilled to be a part of the big picture by heading up the Project Rhino education initiatives in Calcutta.
Abbie
Profession: Writer
Wrote stories about nurses, blind children at the Calcutta Blind School, and patients at Calcutta Mercy Hospital.
“It was a sobering thing to call Calcutta Mercy Hospital ‘home’ for two weeks, living amongst the sick and terminally ill. The faces and voices of patients will forever invade my mind, and I will carry home their personal stories, repeating them for years to come. On one side, I saw a staggering amount of pain in the hospital. On another side, I saw impenetrable hope displayed in the patients and staff members. I hope that many more people from all over the world will be able to visit Calcutta Mercy Hospital and experience the legacy of their work.”
Tina
Profession: Architecture student
Created digital floor plans in AutoCAD of the volunteer center and the new Calcutta Mercy School of Nursing facility.
“The best quote I heard during my stay, from the principal of the nursing school, was, ‘Do it now or never.’ This was my mindset while volunteering with Calcutta Mercy Hospital. After I finished the architectural drawings for the new facility for the Calcutta Mercy School of Nursing, I felt a sense of completeness. I realized that I was not just here to share my skills, knowledge, or personal feelings, but to, in turn, learn from the people of Calcutta. I hope more volunteers come to witness this powerful place and watch the change that happens when people join their efforts to make a difference.”
Charlyn
Profession: Architect
Created digital floor plans for the hospital and preliminary architectural sketches for the Calcutta Mercy College of Nursing.
“Few things can alter one’s perspective on life like a service trip on the other side of the world, in a completely different land. Calcutta is about people, people making a difference, people helping people.”
Chris
Profession: Pre-med student
Medical intern at Calcutta Mercy Hospital. Observed surgeries, visited Mercy Clinics, and played with children in the pediatric center.
“Traveling in a third world country is inevitably trying and overwhelming, but there is something priceless about spending time in the midst of poverty. I have come to find that there are similarities that all humans share. Laughing and smiling were two ways that I felt united to the people of Calcutta, despite the opposite environments we come from. If more individuals would take the time to laugh, smile, and experience the third world in this light, there would be far less time for hatred and injustice.”
Midhuna William
Midhuna William has been involved with Calcutta Mercy Ministries since 2007, when she took her first trip to Calcutta. She volunteered in rural areas for the initiation of clinics and a Hope house for disadvantaged children in Serampore. Midhuna was able to return to Calcutta in 2009 to work on a variety of projects with the hospital. The generosity and kindness of individuals at the hospital left a powerful impact on her life. Midhuna currently studies medicine at Albany Medical College in New York, and hopes to use her medical career to serve others in need.
Vida McCracken
Vida has been fortunate to travel to many countries to help others through photography. She spent over two weeks in Calcutta where she got to spend many hours with children and families at Mercy Hospital and in primary schools, rural clinics, and other supported projects. “I think sometimes we don’t volunteer because we think we have nothing to offer, but with Calcutta Mercy Ministries, everything has big value. There are the big needs like doctors, nurses, hospital staff of all types, and engineers, but there are so many other needs, from painting the walls of a new clinic, helping to distribute food, playing games with a child recovering in the hospital, sitting with a parent whose child is in surgery, and thousands more. There is one thing I have learned in my travels: there is no language barrier to understanding tears, smiles, and hugs. In India if there is one thing I have learned: the language spoken is simple, it’s called….. LOVE.”
Elizabeth Greer
Since Lizzie was 16 years old, she has had a passion for the needs of the poor in India. In November 2010, Lizzie took her first trip outside of the United States, flying to Calcutta and neighboring regions of West Bengal to assist in the opening of Project Rhino learning centers. With a heart for children and a willingness to serve, Lizzie is now a lead volunteer for Project Rhino. For six months in 2011, Lizzie will be the bridge between local Indian leaders and Project Rhino volunteers, while building a structure around the Project Rhino online education platform so that volunteers are well-equipped to teach the children. Lizzie is looking forward to watching the development and success of the children, volunteers, and everyone else who is being served by Project Rhino.
Jobin Sam
Jobin was first connected to Calcutta Mercy Ministries when he met with Amitabh Singh and founder Huldah Buntain in Toronto, Canada. Having worked in other parts of the world, Jobin was naturally attracted to the idea of moving from Canada to Calcutta to serve children in need. It wasn't long before Jobin packed his bags and purchased a one-way plane ticket to India. Today, whether it be in the slums or the Sub-Saharan, the cause Jobin embodies is bigger than benevolence. It is love, and he finds Project Rhino a great volunteer opportunity while he lives and serves alongside Calcutta Mercy Ministries in Calcutta.