Anupama Trigunayat is the current president of International Women’s Club Moscow, which hosts its annual Christmas charity bazaar this Saturday. Proceeds from the event, which will see stands from 60 embassies selling products from their home countries, will go to benefit 50 different charity projects.
Trigunayat, who is married to a top Indian Embassy official, talked to The Moscow Times about herself and the IWC’s relationship with good causes.
What is the first charity you gave money to?
It started when I was at school. I used to save money from my allowance and put it in my piggy bank so that I could help someone. I remember helping the elderly by paying for their food and basic groceries. I will never forget some of those old pensioners who were abandoned by their own family and did not have enough to live on. IWC has been involved in charity projects for almost 30 years.
Which charity is closest to your heart?
Helping the old and destitute is very close to my heart. At IWC Moscow we concentrate on helping children, the elderly and the disabled. We provide at least 300 meals five times a week for orphans, pensioners and the disabled, as well as supply medicine, run soup kitchens and fund treatment for young burn victims.
What is the biggest difference between charity-giving in your country and in Russia?
Helping people in need back home or in Russia is equally gratifying. Russia is our home away from home, and if we can make a difference in a small way, then it is worthwhile. Personally to me there is no difference where I am — you are trying to improve the lives of the poor and needy. It is a rewarding and fulfilling experience that makes me wonder how many times we thank God for little mercies.
Does your company have a favorite charitable cause?
All our charities are very dear and special to us. We have a system that filters and examines various requests for help. We have limited resources, but we try our best to accommodate all the requests for help we get.
The IWC also has an embassies dinner and ball every year. The next one will take place on Feb. 17 at the Ritz-Carlton.
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