Children from Sparsh enjoy a meal at KFC, Aundh

September 26, 2016

The Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlet at Westend Mall, Aundh, was bustling with sounds of excited children singing and playing as they waited for their food to arrive. These children came from Sparsh Balgram, an organisation that provides shelter and education to children who are infected with HIV/AIDS and are orphaned.

“We wanted to do something special for the kids and have them enjoy something that they wouldn’t have on a normal or daily basis. It brings them happiness and puts bigger smiles on their faces. This is actually a part of a bigger initiative that KFC is launching. It is called ‘Add Hope’, wherein we contribute money to provide meals. Our target is to provide 20 million meals by 2020. This initiative has been launched worldwide,” explains Vikrant Vohra, Market Manager (Vice President) of KFC, Western and Central India.

There were 20 children, between the ages of seven and 10 years, who came from Alandi and missed a day at school to enjoy a sumptuous meal at KFC. The special menu made for them comprised Vegetarian Burgers followed by Vegetarian Strips with Hash Browns that the children along with a glass of Pepsi. Before they enjoyed their meal, they sat holding their colourful balloons and together recited poems like Aai Majhi and Majhi Mai. They later sang the superhit song, Zingat from the blockbuster Sairat.

Bhagwat Borade, the founder of Sparsh Balgram, was very happy to see the little ones smile and laugh. “Something like this is very new for them. They are very happy. These children come from very remote parts of Maharashtra like Marathwada and Vidarbha. They don’t get to do something like this very often so when they come here, it’s like a heaven for them.”

The staff of KFC joined the children and interacted with them, making their time more memorable. “We did something similar to this earlier as well and every time the experience is fantastic. It’s always good to see these children smiling. I have visited their centre and I saw how they were doing their best with whatever facilities they have. They come to KFC and they appreciate even the smallest of gifts that we give them. It’s amazing,” expressed Parag Vatharkar, the restaurant manager at KFC, Aundh.

Playing with balloons and laughing, Prashant and Shantanu, two children from the organisation, gobble up their meal and have a satisfied look on their face. “I don’t know about anyone else but I had so much fun today. I loved the burger and I want to come back here again!” said Prashant giving a playful smile.