In the picture, (L to R): Mathew Cherian, CEO, HelpAge India and Shri P. V. Ramesh, CMD, REC, on behalf of REC Foundation sign the MoA in the presence of other senior officials of REC and HelpAge India in New Delhi on 15th November 2017

Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC), a Govt. of India – Navratna Enterprise, has extended CSR support for Rs.3.50 crore to HelpAge India for F.Y. 2017-18, for the construction and operation of a shelter home with a wellness facility for elders at Shey-village, Leh-Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir. The project is being undertaken at Shey village, Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir through the CSR arm of the corporation i.e. REC Foundation. With this support, HelpAge is setting up an integrated model facility for elder care.

The aim is to build a cluster of 10 block homes initially and then increase as per demand and availability of resources. Each unit would house 4-5 elders and provide facilities of recreation, boarding, lodging and a prayer room. Activities like cattle rearing, kitchen gardening are also planned along with the visits of the local ‘Aamchi’ (the Tibetan Medicine man) and a volunteer physician to look after their medical needs. This project has been blessed by His Holiness Dalai Lama.