09 March,2009 11:05 AM IST | | Subroto Roy
As part of International Women's Day, nearly 25 students from degree colleges all over the city participated in a unique fund-raising initiative organised by the Red Cross, Pune on Saturday.
The students worked as waiters between four and eight hours in two prominent restaurants on Moledina Road and East Street as waiters and requested people to donate money for women infected with HIV/AIDS.
A participating student said he was pleased to do something good for society. A girl volunteer felt the initiative will help her have a special bond with women with HIV/AIDS. Although the amount of money raised was not known, Pallavi Rao, state coordinator for Red Cross, said, "It would help regular visitors at our Pune centre."
Around 28 women with HIV/AIDS visit the Pune centre every month. "We have formed a special community for them and are expanding the support group," added Rao. Another member of the Red Cross said, "We help them with anti-retroviral treatment which is very expensive. Campaigns like these not only generate money, but also create awareness among people."
Said Rao, "People with HIV/AIDS do not reveal their condition initially and feel there's a stigma attached to them. However, as they come in contact with others like them, they feel confident and start enjoying life."
