You can feed 70+ children with disabilities in the slums of Mumbai

“I spent 15 years of my life in hiding. I didn’t want people to see my hand. I would cover it and try to blend in with the rest of the world. But I never could. It was a painful, lonely life. But my pain isn’t even close to the pain of children with disabilities who have no food on their table. Food is a basic human need. Don’t they deserve it?” - Arun Mayavan, Founder, Ashish Foundation

Just when life seemed to get better, Arun lost his only friend

Born with a visible disability, Arun had always been a victim of bullying wherever he went. Adults would stare at him, and children would pull his hand and laugh at him. The only person who saw him for who he was, not just his disability, was his friend Ashish - a ray of hope in his dark world. And when he died of medical complications, Arun’s world came to a standstill. 

“I couldn’t save my only friend. I couldn’t get help on time. I couldn’t push away the gnawing thought that he would have received help if he didn’t have a disability. I decided then that I would dedicate my life to children with disabilities and save lives. And ‘Ashish Foundation’ was born.” - Arun reminisces 

Today, Ashish Foundation is the ray of hope for hundreds of children with disabilities

Arun is dedicated towards making life better for children with disabilities in the slums of Mumbai. Ashish Foundation has changed the fate of thousands since its inception 7 years ago. From organizing grocery drives, clothes drives and medical camps to talent shows, skill development centers and sports events, Arun Mayavan does everything he can to make these children feel included. They are his extended family, and he, theirs.

But the biggest challenge remains access to food

“Most of these parents can’t go to full-time jobs because they can’t leave their children alone. As a result, their incomes are slashed, and food is scarce. These children can’t eat the food we eat. They need to be given fluids to avoid choking. But all this comes with a great cost that the parents struggle to afford. The family starves. We need your help to ensure there is always food on their table,” - Arun says

You can help Arun feed 70+ children with disabilities every day

Following a survey and consultation with doctors, Arun curates a list of groceries and medication for every child. Every weekend, he goes to each of their houses, delivers the supply for the week, and instructs the parents on the prescribed diet. But the cost comes to rupees 800/month/child, and he has 70+ mouths to feed. He needs you.

“I earn 25,000 a month from small jobs. I split this between my family and the Ashish Foundation. But it’s nowhere near enough. If I seek medical help for a child, they throw a 10-rupee note at me. They think we’re beggars. That’s our plight. So, even a little support from you can help us immensely.

About NGO: The Ashish Foundation is a Mumbai-based, certified non-profit organization, established in 2017 by Arun, who was born with a 90% disability. Founded in memory of his friend Ashish, the foundation is dedicated to uplifting individuals with disabilities and those in need.