Relief for Kerala Flood Victims

Kathryn Shedrick is organizing this fundraiser.

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Like people around the world, our family was saddened to hear of the recent and devastating flooding in Kerala, India, which killed hundreds and displaced over 400,000 people to 2,000 shelters. We were especially upset to hear from our dear friend Prabeesh Kumar about the flooding and landslides in Ponnani Chamravattom, which inundated ninety percent of his small fishing village. The situation is dire: many of his friends and neighbors were relocated to shelters and need basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. Prabeesh’s own home was damaged, but thankfully he, his wife, children, and parents are safe.

Kerala means "land of the coconuts," but it is known to its proud residents as "God's Own Country." We learned this and so much more from Prabeesh last winter in India when we were privileged to have him as our driver for an entire month during our round-the-world adventure. He was so much more than just our driver: he was our guide, interpreter, and guardian angel. Prabeesh scoped out restaurants, modified our itinerary, dropped off laundry, explained the intricacies of Hinduism, and shared with us all of the beauty and magic of Indian culture. He cleaned up after Evie when she got carsick on a 12-hour drive. He bought Thea a book about Gandhi and called his sister, a pharmacist, when Thea needed antibiotics. Though a Hindu, he gave the girls Christmas gifts the day after we met him. Prabeesh showed us how to eat a thali plate (right hand only, folks!). He found flower garlands for the girls’ hair and arranged one of the most memorable occasions of our entire trip, a dinner at a Tamil family’s home during Cow Pongal. He is what our Jewish friends (and my mother) would call a mensch, and our visit to India would not have been nearly as memorable without his friendship and guidance.

We weren’t surprised to learn that Prabeesh is taking a leading role in the humanitarian efforts in his village. He is working with Guru Samskarika Ken Dram, local charity to repair the village school and hospital, and to help the families who's homes were most damaged during the flooding. Numbering 48 members, Guru Samskarika Ken Dram has met weekly since 2001 to raise money and distributed it to the neediest people in the community. In the past they have helped families of the sick, those who cannot afford education, or children who need school supplies or sports equipment.

Though we regret that it is under these circumstances, we are so happy to have the opportunity to give something back to Prabeesh—but we need your help. We have set a goal of raising $5,000 to help Prabeesh’s village, and we’re off to a great start! Thea and Evie have already raised $350 from their classmates, school community, and a lemonade stand.

Will you follow their lead?

Thanks in advance,

Kathryn Shedrick and Jon Bonanno
Petaluma, CA, USA

Note: In the interest of getting funds to Prabeesh as soon as possible, we are going to pool any funds raised and send a single wire transfer to Prabeesh at the Ponnani branch of the Catholic Syrian Bank. He will then administer 100% of the funds through Guru Samskarika Ken Dram, a local charity.