Appeal for a cause -Toronto-Calcutta Foundation: 36 years of giving

By
Uttam Chakrabarti
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Jackfruit & Coconut saplings distributed for planting. In 2022, TCF distributed over 300,000 fruit saplings to 13 different districts. PHOTOS: Courtesy TCF

It was on a fateful day, July 1, 1988, that a group of passionate individuals from Toronto’s business, teaching, and academic communities came together, united by a common goal – to help alleviate the poverty and suffering in Calcutta, India. This meeting marked the birth of a remarkable organization, The Toronto-Calcutta Foundation (TCF).

Pre-school: TCF is supporting 80 pre-schoolers and providing breakfasts.

The Toronto-Calcutta Foundation is a registered charity with the Government of Canada, dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Driven by a deep sense of compassion and a steadfast commitment to social justice, the founders of TCF recognized the urgent call to action and knew they had to respond.

TCF’s objectives are to provide the poorest sections of the population support in areas of:
            1) Healthcare towards a healthier and better quality of life
            2) Education
     3)  Vocational Training to uplift the underprivileged.
Through the years, TCF has remained steadfast in its mission, working tirelessly to provide vital resources, support, and opportunities to the people of India. From funding educational initiatives to supporting healthcare programs and community development projects, the foundation has become a beacon of hope, empowering individuals and transforming lives.
Uttaran Sewing Training Centre: TCF has 30 women enrolled in the program .where women are training for securing jobs in the field or start their own business. TCF started this program over 15 years ago.

TCF is making a long-lasting impact to people living in or below the poverty line. TCF focused on vocational training for women and started a preschool for young children and later started two TCF Coaching Centres in the North and South 24 Parganas districts, followed by the TCF Education Centre for tribal children in Santiniketan. By providing more sustainable work, many women now found jobs and opened their own tailoring shops. Students who went through TCF coaching classes have now become doctors, engineers, hoteliers, nurses, opticians, teachers, and many have joined law enforcement agencies.

In 2021, TCF began distributing jackfruit and other fruit saplings throughout West Bengal, specifically in rural villages, so that village children not only get nutritious food from jackfruits but also parents earn extra by selling the excess fruits. So far, TCF distributed over six hundred thousand fruit saplings to the villagers.
In 2016, TCF partnered with Ramakrishna Mission of Home Service of Luxa, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh to upgrade the medical equipment for better treatment of patients. TCF funded one crore rupees to purchase medical equipment such as a Haemodialysis machine, Gastrovideoscope system, ENT microscope, anesthesia workstation, Dental chair etc.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, TCF spent one crore rupees to mitigate this calamity. We also helped people heavily impacted by cyclones Amphan and Yaas, partnering with local NGOs to provide food and essential supplies to destitute people in South 24 Parganas, where the wrath of these cyclones was more prominent. TCF also repaired many houses destroyed by these natural disasters.
In Toronto, TCF partnered with several NGOs, including Dixon Hall, Nellie’s Shelter, Women’s Habitat, GlobalMedic, RESULTS Canada, the Social Planning Council of Peel, and a number of food banks to help destitute citizens.
In 2024, we are providing training to the women of Kushalgarh, Rajasthan. In the center, they will learn, sewing, handcrafts skill and basic education on health hygiene. The whole idea is to prevent women from leaving their villages and going to the cities for better livelihoods. We believe that if they have skills by which they can earn money, it will stop the migration.
TCF is distributing hygiene pads to students of 3 coaching centers and women of sewing center and the Naktala Medical Clinic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, TCF was very active in West Bengal, providing PPE, Bi-Pap machines, oxygen cylinders, a portable cardio ultrasound machine, and holding numerous food distribution camps. TCF spent one crore rupees to mitigate this calamity. We also helped people heavily impacted by cyclones Amphan and Yaas, partnering with local NGOs to provide food and essential supplies to destitute people in South 24 Parganas, where the wrath of these cyclones was more prominent. TCF also repaired many houses destroyed by these natural disasters.

TCF Education on Digital World: Introduced digital platform to some 300 students to bridge the gap between them and their fortunate peers.

In Toronto, TCF partnered with several NGOs, including Dixon Hall, Nellie’s Shelter, Women’s Habitat, GlobalMedic, RESULTS Canada, the Social Planning Council of Peel, and several food banks to help destitute citizens.

Our journey does not stop here. We still face immense challenges as more people strive to come out of poverty and lead decent lives. In this endeavor, TCF has a big role to play in providing support and tools to help these citizens. We are confident that, with your support, we will achieve this goal.
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Uttam Chakrabarti is one of the founders of the Toronto-Calcutta Foundation
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