SOS CHILDREN’S villages and Coca-Cola India celebrated World Environment Day (WED) with children at SOS Children’s Village Greenfield, Faridabad and SOS Children’s Village Bhavana. The day was dedicated to enlighten children to be mindful of the pressure that human race put on the environment. On the occasion, a painting competition was organised for children across the 31 centres of SOS children’s villages. Splendid thoughts on environment were echoed through vibrant colours. Centric to the theme - ’environment’, over 100 children participated in this competition.
The event, which was organised in 31 SOS children’s villages across the country, saw hundreds of children between the age group of 7-14 years, painting on subjects like climate change, spirituality and environment, water cycle, human being and its ecology, pollution-how to avoid, 4 R of conservation: reduce, reuse, recycle and recharge; mother earth, our universe and interrelationships, Recycling paper and PET, kids on forefront of environment stewardship. The winners were felicitated as 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. Selected paintings will be used for Coca Cola 2009 calendar and credit will be given to the child whose painting will be chosen.

Mr. S Sandilya, President, SOS Children’s Villages of India, thanked Coca Cola for this initiative and said, “With the help of such noble initiatives, we will be able to bring about a significant change in the society. These activities not only make children aware of the environmental conservation practices but also help them grow as responsible citizens. We, at SOS Children’s villages, try our best to inculcate all aspects of life including those related to environment conservation. By spreading awareness about the need to create green environment and encouraging children to realise the importance of healthy environment, we can ensure a healthy future for all.

According to Mr Deepak Jolly, vice-president, public affairs and communication, Coca-Cola India, “Coca-Cola has always placed high value on good citizenship and is committed towards protecting, preserving and enhancing the environment. We are happy to partner with SOS Children’s Villages in this initiative as it sensitises young minds to be aware of their duties towards the environment.”

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About SOS Children’s Villages of India

SOS Children’s Villages of India is a non-government, voluntary organisation,committed to the care of children in need. The aim and objective of the SOS Children’s Villages of India is to help children in need, by giving them a family, a home and a strong foundation for an independent and secure life. Since its inception in 1964, SOS-India has expanded its services for children in need at a rapid pace. Today, there are 31 SOS Children’s Villages, including the new projects under establishment and 122 allied projects like kindergartens, schools, social, medical, vocational training centres and outreach initiatives spread across the country reaching out to many thousands of children. SOS-India is a member of SOS-Kinderdorf International, operational in 132 countries.