We have just returned from a visit to review our partnerships for rehabilitation work in the Tsunami affected areas of South India. Working closely with United Way in this due diligence activity were three volunteers Jeff Schanze, Mark Schanze and Renee Kauffman from St. Jospeh's Michigan, USA.

Their work in the Tsunami affected villages stands as a golden example of how much of a difference volunteers can make to the work done by NGOs.

Little did these volunteers from Michigan, USA realize that it would be no smooth, feel good journey, but would be called on to work very very hard over 12hours a day in very trying situations and utilize their education and good thinking to work with United Way team in evaluating the most appropriate investments and steps forward to best help the Tsunami affected communities.

St. Joseph's Volunteers Go The Extra Mile with United Way in India

Since they arrived over 20 days ago, Jeff, Mark and Renee have met up with over a dozen grassroots NGOs working in Tsunami Relief activities in South India. They have also met with the district collector and other officials and now alongwith United Way are helping draft the road map for United Way's rehabilitation work for the Tsunami affected families. And they have performed, going beyond the extra and becoming real pillars bringing the strength in building a strong foundation to our Tsunami rehabilitation efforts. Congratulations Jeff and congratulations to St. Jospehs' Michigan as a community, may many more communities follow your good example of communities reaching out to communities in need. Shibani Sachdeva CEO, United Way Mumbai