Mumbai has always been accepted as a city that supports a social cause. And when it comes to eating out, every Mumbaikar will swear by it. Bringing the two causes together for charity thus seemed to be natural for a group of IITians.
In a hog-othon titled ‘Dine For Charity’, Mumbaikars will do charity by dining at restaurants. And over 3,000 Mumbaikars have pledged to eat out this month for a social cause. This initiative was initiated by IITian engineers who have just launched India’s first community-based card. And about 50 restaurants in the city have agreed to participate.
A part of the amount of the bill spent on eating out by people will be donated for the welfare of the underprivileged kids. Nikhil Dhoka, founder Mumbai Community card, says, “Our group was sitting at a restaurant in Powai. While we were enjoying a lavish meal I caught sight of an urchin, a young girl who seemed hungry and distraught. Donating some amount was just a temporary solution. We had to address the larger problem and find a solution that would be substantial and sustainable.” He adds, “We set our focus on raising funds for underprivileged kids and developed a self-sustained model for this by involving masses into it.”
One of the participants of this programme says, “Through this card I ensure that every time my family and I have a lavish dinner, at least one hungry child is fed.”
Ankit Kochar, another diner, adds, “I always wanted to help underprivileged kids. Now it’s become as easy as eating my favourite dish at my favourite restaurant.”
