Shake a leg, sponsor a meal

CHENNAI: When the lockdown began, Simu George decided to set up a fitness studio at home and share her love for zumba with others. But she also felt the need to use her skills help the needy. That’s why she came up with the concept of a five-day Virtual Zumba Rally, an initiative that combines health with humanity.
People can sign on and get free sessions from her but they have to make a small contribution to ARK India Service Society, an NGO that works for the welfare of children, especially girls, affected by HIV/AIDS.
“Many people are stressed during lockdown, so I wanted them, especially women, to discover the benefits of working out for an hour every day,” says Simu, who launched her initiative on July 8.
“And I also wanted to do my bit to help society.” People first have to donate a minimum of Rs 200 to the NGO, after which they are sent a link for Simu’s classes.
Simu first heard of the NGO through a friend. “I spoke to them and realised that they were not getting any donations during lockdown, so I wanted to help,” she says.
Jerome Selvaraj, founder, ARK India Service Society, says he, along with co-founder Priyadarshini, have been caring for children with HIV/AIDS since 2013. “We have 15 girls aged eight to 17 years in permanent care at our home in Thoraipakkam. We also help about 80 other children who are living with their grandparents and other relatives in other parts of Tamil Nadu,” he says.
The children require nutritious balanced meals to help them fight the disease. “Every day they need health mix, two types of fruit, one egg, and milk twice a day,” says Selvaraj. “We also provide protein -- chicken and fish -- three days a week.”
But the going has been tough after lockdown. “Only 40% of our donors are now coming forward to help us, and we are finding it difficult to support the children,” he says. “The money from the zumba rally is being used to provide meals for the kids.”
The zumba rally ends on July 12. “I have 45 people on board now and since there is more demand, I will be conducting a second session from July 15 to 19,” says Simu.