CHILDLINE Walkathon 2010

Making a difference this Children's day was the CHILDLINE Walkathon 2010, an initiative by CHILDLINE in association with Rotary Club of Mumbai-Queen's necklace at Police Gymkhana, Marine Drive on November 14, 2010.The walkathon was flagged off by Neerja Birla.

Hundreds of people participated in the CHILDLINE Walkathon organised as a part of CHILDLINE Se Dosti celebrations. Commenced held at the Police Gymkhana at 7.30 am, the initiative saw an overwhelming support and participation from young volunteers, social activists and the general public who walked hand in hand along the scenic Queen's necklace of Mumbai from Police gymkhana Marine Lines, towards H2O and back to the Police Gymkhana.

The unique Walkathon aimed at creating a mass movement and bringing about awareness in the society about child rights and protection issues.This fun-filled event saw a walk through the scenic Queen's necklace of Mumbai, performances by International clown and Police band marched en route to the final destination. The participants supporting CHILDLINE were clearly visible with their white CHILDLINE T-Shirts and CHILDLINE flags and banners. The walk was vibrant with the hoops of joy from the children and people from all walks of life came together to support the cause. Just before the walkathon, all the participants pledged to

Dial 1098

For any help my dost might need

Object / Oppose

To any harm being caused to my dost

Speak up

Against those who cause harm to my dost

Treat

My dost with dignity, respect and love, promise to be a true CHILDLINE dost

This initiative was proposed with the hope that with each person who walks, a new 'dost' is made.Speaking on the occasion, Ms.Kajol Menon, executive director, CHILDLINE India Foundation, said, "We at CHILDLINE believe that for a helpline to be successful and effective in reaching out to the millions of children deprived of their childhood, we need to work in a partnership framework."

CHILDLINE Se Dosti is a campaign to make ordinary citizens stakeholders in CHILDLINE 1098. We want people from all walks of life to get to know CHILDLINE, begin to care about vulnerable children and appreciate the need for protecting our children be it a student, a taxi driver, an IT professional, a rickshaw puller or a housewife. From one dost to a million I hope it has a ripple effect she added.

CHILDLINE Walkathon was part of CHILDLINE se dosti, a week long awareness campaign which integrated various activities like Short Film Making, Photography Competition, Suraksha Banshan, Painting Competition, etc.

In addition to the support from a multitude of students from various schools and colleges who volunteered to ensure the smooth functioning of CHILDLINE Walkathon 2010, the initiative received great support from the Queen's Necklace chapter of the Rotary Club.CHILDLINE Walkathon at Mumbai was the start of a nationwide program. Soon the Walkathon will be in other cities.