SOS to get more funds

SOS Children's Villages of India, a voluntary organisation committed to the care of children in need, has announced its corporate quiz for this year.

The objective of this event is to widen awareness about children in SOS-India among corporates and also to raise funds which will be utilised to provide family care for children in need.

Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, Harpreet Singh, deputy head - PFR, SOS Children's Villages of India, said, "Since 1977, we have had around 72,000 corporates who have stood by us. On an average, we need close to Rs 5.5 lakh for a family of 10 children and a mother."

SOS Children's Village in Kolkata is spread over 3 acres and accommodates around 161 children. In India, SOS reaches out to around 20,000 children.

One of the corporates, HSBC, has also tied-up with SOS globally. Yenten Lama, CEO's representative - eastern India, HSBC, said, "We have introduced a global initiative called Future First in 2007. Under this initiative, we have dedicated $10 million over the next five years for underpriviledged children the world over. We will work with various organisations and NGOs worldwide for proper utilisation of funds."

HSBC will dedicate close to $1.5 million in India over the next five years.