ET BureauDr Jason Anthony Furtado had what people would call a privileged upbringing. With educational qualifications that include Bachelors in Physiotherapy , Masters in Alternative Medicine and Diploma in Medical Law and Ethics from National Law School University , the 37-year old now heads the department of physiotherapy and rehabilitation at St. Martha's Hospital.That helps him make a living.
When he is not working to earn his upkeep, he is getting school and college-going students and working professionals to knit, crochet and create things out of waste. These products are meant for the underprivileged. He also trains volunteers to spend time with Parkinson's, stroke and amputation patients who lead isolated lives. He calls this Love in Action (LIA). "LIA is not about donating money but spending time and energy on patients, making them forget their pain and loneliness, making them more confident," he said.
The moving group of volunteers 10-15 at a time are enrolled in various roles based on their interests. "They can spend time with patients, care for them and guide them with hospital procedures, or be a part of the green project and create a garden space for patients to walk, exercise and relax in," he said. The garden under his supervision and created out of recycled material grows medicinal plants besides lemongrass, strawberries, chillies and herbs.
Jason himself spends considerable time knitting blankets, baby caps and other necessities for newborns of underprivileged patients. He teaches vol unteers to create wind chimes out of dried leaves, painting on glass, making fruit bowls from tree mushrooms, memorabilia with old wine glasses and egg shells. The hand-made products are then put up for sale in their annual Christmas fete on the St Martha's hospital premises to raise funds for concessions and free treatment for the poor. Vincent Roop Singh, a retired Bharat Electronics Limited employee, who has been spending time with patients at the hospital even before Furtado came on board in 2007, spoke glowingly about Furtado's zeal and his commitment to raise funds for people who cannot afford treatment."His project has two-way benefits the patients feel accepted and the volunteers forget their worries." So far, volunteers have only been enrolled through word of mouth. "We need all the hands and voices we can get," Furtado said.
Interested volunteers can send a Whatsapp message to 9844083977 or mail goodshepherds.in@gmail.com
When he is not working to earn his upkeep, he is getting school and college-going students and working professionals to knit, crochet and create things out of waste. These products are meant for the underprivileged. He also trains volunteers to spend time with Parkinson's, stroke and amputation patients who lead isolated lives. He calls this Love in Action (LIA). "LIA is not about donating money but spending time and energy on patients, making them forget their pain and loneliness, making them more confident," he said.
The moving group of volunteers 10-15 at a time are enrolled in various roles based on their interests. "They can spend time with patients, care for them and guide them with hospital procedures, or be a part of the green project and create a garden space for patients to walk, exercise and relax in," he said. The garden under his supervision and created out of recycled material grows medicinal plants besides lemongrass, strawberries, chillies and herbs.
Jason himself spends considerable time knitting blankets, baby caps and other necessities for newborns of underprivileged patients. He teaches vol unteers to create wind chimes out of dried leaves, painting on glass, making fruit bowls from tree mushrooms, memorabilia with old wine glasses and egg shells. The hand-made products are then put up for sale in their annual Christmas fete on the St Martha's hospital premises to raise funds for concessions and free treatment for the poor. Vincent Roop Singh, a retired Bharat Electronics Limited employee, who has been spending time with patients at the hospital even before Furtado came on board in 2007, spoke glowingly about Furtado's zeal and his commitment to raise funds for people who cannot afford treatment."His project has two-way benefits the patients feel accepted and the volunteers forget their worries." So far, volunteers have only been enrolled through word of mouth. "We need all the hands and voices we can get," Furtado said.
Interested volunteers can send a Whatsapp message to 9844083977 or mail goodshepherds.in@gmail.com
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