Daijiworld Media Network - Moodbidri
Moodbidri, Apr 8: Anil Reuben Mendonca, an international bodybuilder turned ambulance driver, is on a remarkable mission - building homes for the disabled and underprivileged. Despite his modest earnings, he has now laid the foundation for his sixth home in just 11 months through his Care Charitable Trust.
Homes of hope
Anil has already gifted three homes in Moodbidri's Karinje, Alangar, and Nettodi, and recently handed over his fourth home in Beltangady.
His latest beneficiary: Sundar Malekudiya (49), a wheelchair-bound man who lost his mobility 35 years ago after a jackfruit accident. Living with his 105-year-old mother in Shirala village, Sundar now has a safe haven thanks to Anil.
- First home: Anugraha (Rs 11 lac) for a family in Karinje, complete with a prayer space
- Second home: Aashirwad (Rs 3.75 lac) for Rajanna (SC community) in Alangar
- Third home: Aasare (Rs 3.5 lac) for Vanita, a widow in Nettodi
- Fourth home: Nemmadi for Sundar in Beltangady
Sacrifice & struggle
Anil learned of Sundar's plight through a video shared by a friend. Moved to tears, he pledged his gold chain to fund the construction, despite having no savings. He even arranged medical care for Sundar. "Anil is like God to me," says Sundar.
Upcoming projects
- Fifth home: Emmanuel (Rs 10 lac) for Steeny and Clara in Gantalkatte, to be inaugurated on April 26
- Sixth home: Under construction for a Scheduled Caste family in Nettodi
A plea for support
"I grew up in poverty - I know their pain," says Anil, who runs a salon and drives an ambulance to fund his mission. "With 69 more requests pending, I need kind-hearted support to build more homes."