[GTO]

Small update, guys. Did some trial & error and the shitty boot in my 530d (with the spare wheel on top) won't be able to carry as much as I want.

1. Pcpranav - Fortuner
2. GTO - Scorpio N
3. cityslicker86- Celerio
4. revsperminute- Octavia/GLE
5. Arsenic - Innova Crysta
6. Jangra - Kodiaq
7. nimishlalwani - Avventura Abarth
8. Raulspace999 - S-Cross
9. Venky03 - Triber

You all can check out Mahindra's latest too .

Originally Posted by MayurS

Also between Mumbai-Nashik as well if possible in upcoming months.

Done, Mayur. After seeing 9 confirmed cars for our first such drive, Pranav & I spoke yesterday about making this a regular series. Let's start off small, say once in 2 months? Then further finetune the frequency, locations etc. What we are really hopeful about is BHPians from other states (KA, TN and all) starting their own similar food donation drives. Now, that will really be something.

We anyway love to drive on the highway, and we love to hangout with BHPians over a brunch. How difficult is it to add a 1-hour stopover in a village to that?

[X-Saint]

I would be joining with my wife and daughter. BTW my wife is a physiotherapist, she can offer free consultation and if we want she can bring a few portable machines as well. We shall join from Kinara Dhaba at 8:15 AM.

1. Pcpranav - Fortuner
2. GTO - Scorpio N
3. cityslicker86- Celerio
4. revsperminute- Octavia/GLE
5. Arsenic - Innova Crysta
6. Jangra - Kodiaq
7. nimishlalwani - Avventura Abarth
8. Raulspace999 - S-Cross
9. Venky03 - Triber
10. X-Saint - Silver Xcent (GJ-16 Passing)

[pcpranav]

Originally Posted by X-Saint

I would be joining with my wife and daughter. BTW my wife is a physiotherapist, she can offer free consultation and if we want she can bring a few portable machines as well. We shall join from Kinara Dhaba at 8:15 AM.

wow, it'll be good to bring family to experience and be part of.
I have some good association of GJ-16 as well :-)

Mostly my wife and daughter won't be able to join this time, that evening we are engaged in a dinner function with few close families, so need preparations.

On the medical aspect : ideas and participation welcome. With some better planning in future, we can get few doctors to address a village, but that would be atleast repeating it consecutively for 3-4 weeks for "follow-up" sessions. Also its bit sensitive topic, so better we get some advance concurrence from local head / tehsildar / PHC Doc. hope you get the gist.

on the timing part, please do not be late - better start bit early and reach early to assembly points. The Fountain signal, i.e. Vasai Bridge just after crossing Mira Road (Mumbai side) or Ghodbunder (Thane side) is a major traffic bottleneck, more encountered during the return path. thanks.

I'm excited to see so many joining, this will only grow in coming times. Kudos.

regards,

[X-Saint]

Originally Posted by pcpranav

wow, it'll be good to bring family to experience and be part of.
I have some good association of GJ-16 as well :-)

Wow! That's really exiting. Waiting to meet all BHPians. agreed 100% on your views regarding medical consultation and treatment as it cannot fetch results in one sitting.

My father was regularly visiting one village in 'Dediapada' (Narmada District) for almost 2 years for honorary medical camp.

[Dhillon]

Nice Idea. Anyone interested to do this in Gurgaon?

[ashlil]

What a wonderful idea! I wish I could join. But, I am scheduled to be away from Mumbai very early on 14th. Hopefully, next time I will be able to make it.

[revsperminute]

@GTO Can you share a google maps pin for the assembly point? I think it’ll be easier to pull over at the right spot. It will be very hard to spot cars pulled over if it’s raining hard.



Off topic: I was banking on GTO’s 530 to convince myself to drive a sedan. Hope my Octavia makes it.

[Poitive]

Originally Posted by GTO

...every packet of food will bring a smile to someone's face...

This is beautiful; a beautiful initiative, Pranav and GTO. Many thanks.

Originally Posted by GTO

... Pranav & I spoke yesterday about making this a regular series.... What we are really hopeful about is BHPians from other states (KA, TN and all) starting their own similar food donation drives. Now, that will really be something.

Originally Posted by pcpranav

... I'm already seeing the positive ripple effect...

Some thoughts/suggestions to felicitate other regions taking such initiatives:

• A small guide/handbook to help plan such events could be of use. Someone with experience of such (eg Pranav) could scribble a page or two. Other's with experience too could pitch in with their suggestions. It could contain suggestions on:
  • Locating the village region - basis, distance, etc.
  • Local formalities and guidelines, if any (like, it was mentioned for medical stuff)
  • List of items which are likely to be useful (maybe have a categorized list, from which the organizing group can choose).
  • Situation-specific items and planning measures; say for floods, droughts etc.
  • Any other thing which can be used as a semi-template to organize things.
    .
• Like with this thread, to ensure that such threads get readership by putting them in the News/Hot-Threads/FB sections, so that interested people do not miss out.
  .
• If the drives really pick up enough, there could be special T-Bhp products available on such drives - Good-Samaritan-Bhpian Stickers, and more if viable. Besides the feel-good and acknowledgement, it would also increase awareness of such activities, which can encourage other's to join in.

My impression is that there are many who would want to involve in such activities, and making the steps clear and simple would help more such events in different regions.

(Admission: Past many years, I have been rather poor with such activities, so am not suggesting that I take lead in organizing such an event)

[Vinod_nair]

Great initiative @pcpranav GTO and the gang.

A small but important suggestion, Sanitary Towels, good brand should be welcome, any Medical Rep, Doctor among us could arrange in bulk.

Another suggestion, before the next trip, open a dedicated bank account, for people outside the location to participate in.

Enjoy your trip.

Regards
Vinod

[GTO]

Originally Posted by revsperminute

@GTO Can you share a google maps pin for the assembly point? I think it’ll be easier to pull over at the right spot. It will be very hard to spot cars pulled over if it’s raining hard.

https://goo.gl/maps/ykSx3KdPq8Rkmbgp9 Approximately here? Slightly before the Yes Bank house, on the highway itself.

You can't miss a bright red Scorpio-N .

I was banking on GTO’s 530 to convince myself to drive a sedan. Hope my Octavia makes it.

You'll be totally okay. Pranav & I insisted on choosing a sedan-friendly drive to accommodate all. IIRC, there is just a 1 km patch where you will have to go really slow, but nothing that the Octavia cannot handle.

[vagabond128]

@RSUDARSANAN

Sir, please plan something similar in Bangalore also

[subhro1988]

Count me in. I shall join with my wife from Kinara Dhaba at 8:15

1. Pcpranav - Fortuner
2. GTO - Scorpio N
3. cityslicker86- Celerio
4. revsperminute- Octavia/GLE
5. Arsenic - Innova Crysta
6. Jangra - Kodiaq
7. nimishlalwani - Avventura Abarth
8. Raulspace999 - S-Cross
9. Venky03 - Triber
10. X-Saint - Silver Xcent (GJ-16 Passing)
11. Subhro88 - Dzire

[pcpranav]

Originally Posted by Dhillon

Nice Idea. Anyone interested to do this in Gurgaon?

Originally Posted by Vinod_nair

...
Another suggestion, before the next trip, open a dedicated bank account, for people outside the location to participate in.

Originally Posted by vagabond128

@RSUDARSANAN

Sir, please plan something similar in Bangalore also

The idea is to ignite spark / encourage many of us, so that you able to self initiate regional level events too. You can try baby steps, take the lead.
Many us do weekend rides / drives, just take a bit more cautious effort to serve such noble cause.
Many of us do long road trips, just be mindful of adding this task enroute once in a while. (Dont worry of buying stuff, you can even do it enroute from some shop - simple)

Personally, transferring money to some Bank Account makes it complicated in some ways :
- less involvement, less empathy, less satisfaction
- accounting, registering NGO
You may continue sending money to some trust what you believe, however these kind of events is where "YOU" drive it.

Rather Engage and Do it yourself - wherever, whenever, whatever. Tag and share like-minded colleagues, and the good tribe will just grow.

regards,

[VWAllstar]

Originally Posted by GTO

Let's go out and make the long weekend special for those less privileged than us!

Brilliant initiative. Would have definitely made it if it was published in advance. May be next time.
Good wishes and enjoy everyone who would be joining! Pranav - This brings back memories of my days with Rotaract Club where the parent Rotary had adopted a village near Matheran and we helped them get supplies, yearly medical check ups and simply took craft and English classes of the kids. Then we did not have the luxury of cars but this what you have planned will be epic

[AZT]

I’m in. Shall be heading out to buy some supplies for the donation

1. Pcpranav - Fortuner
2. GTO - Scorpio N
3. cityslicker86- Celerio
4. revsperminute- Octavia/GLE
5. Arsenic - Innova Crysta
6. Jangra - Kodiaq
7. nimishlalwani - Avventura Abarth
8. Raulspace999 - S-Cross
9. Venky03 - Triber
10. X-Saint - Silver Xcent (GJ-16 Passing)
11. Subhro88 - Dzire
12. AZT - Tigor