Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 22: Canara Organization for Development and Peace® Mangaluru and Caritas India, in collaboration with ICYM-diocese of Mangalore, Lions Club Valencia, Indian Cancer Society distributed Health and Nutritious food kit to 50 cancer survivors on December 20, 2021 at Mother Theresa Hall - CODP Mangaluru on behalf of Sparsha-Campaign against Cancer.

The programme began by invoking God’s blessing through a prayer song lead by the staff of CODP.

Fr Vincent D’Souza, director of CODP welcomed the dignitaries and the participants and delivered the key note address. "Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most," he said.

Addressing the gathering, Fr James DSouza, vicar forane of city deanery and parish priest of St Joseph the Worker Church, Vamanjoor, chief guest of the day said, “Health is Wealth - Nothing is more precious than good health. On behalf of Christmas it is a kind gesture to help those in need, especially those who are suffering from cancer.

As part of the campaign, hair donation drives were organized by CODP from January 2021 to November 2021 and 100 volunteers donated their beautiful locks of hair for making hair wigs for cancer survivors. On the occasion, a hair wig was donated to a cancer patient Ms Aseena in order to instill courage, hope and positivity.

Fr Ashwin, Director of ICYM gave a meaningful message on how positivity, self confidence can help to beat cancer.

Saksha Bangera, dietician, Indian Hospital and Heart Institute delivered a talk on nutritious food and healthy lifestyle especially by eating sprouts, pulses, egg etc, avoiding regular consumption of junk food, maintaining a healthy diet by regular exercise from a very young age is important to keep ourselves fit and fine.

Shilpa Dsouza, coordinator of Sparsha and Lenet Gonsalves, programme manager CODP compeered the programme. Leslie Dsouza, president of Lions Club Valencia proposed the vote of thanks.