My journey with Vibha started a few years ago as an event volunteer, and consequently, steered into handling volunteer relations in the Bay Area. Over time I’ve met some truly amazing volunteers who’re like the Bunny from Energizer battery ads – they just keep going and going! Unfortunately I’m not one of them, which means my batteries need recharging from time to time. Many of us need constant inspiration and this inspiration comes when you least expect it.
One time, after two hours of standing at a booth on a cold night and being treated like the plague, I was ready to call it quits. Just then a mother balancing a toddler in one hand, and grocery bags and a little one in the other, was passing by. I asked the eternal booth question – Have you heard of Vibha, half expecting her to shrug and walk away. To my utter surprise she says – No, what is Vibha? We talked for a few minutes, and then she sets her bags down, takes out her purse and makes a $50 donation saying – Thank You for doing this, please keep up the good work!
That kept me going for another 2 hours that night and every booth since.
Another time was when Mr. Prasanna, Director at Sikshana (Vibha funded project) happened to drop in on one of our weekly meetings three years ago. Prasanna is a very driven individual who had returned to India after working for two decades in the US. He took a big step by leaving a company he founded, to directing his energy in making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. He shared a story about how Sikshana found children in Government schools failing written exams simply due to the lack of writing paper. Seems these children couldn’t afford to buy paper. Sikshana’s solution to provide writing paper costs just $1/child and there was an improvement of 60% in test scores. It moved me deeply to learn that for lack of a buck, a child’s future is in jeopardy. It is something I share with people who shrug away from doing anything about this and make excuses.
I hope these experiences give you a boost, as they have, me. Vibhascope plans to run this feature every quarter. Email us your inspiring moments and your experiences, because many of us need a shot in the arm from time to time.