During a recent Goonj collection camp in a Whitefield apartment in Chennai, a woman, whom the team fondly refers to as “akka”, approached the team with some contributions. She was curious, observant, but slightly hesitant.
A Goonj team member welcomed her and began explaining the various initiatives. As the discussion turned to Green by Goonj (GBG), the upcycled product line made from urban surplus, her eyes lit up.
“You mean these are made from things people would throw away?” she asked, amazed.
She browsed the products, visibly excited. She picked a few she liked and told the team,
“I’ll just run home and get some money. I’d love to buy these.”
A Shift in Plans, Not in Spirit
When she returned, her face had changed not in enthusiasm, but in energy.
“I asked my husband for some money… but he said no. He’s not interested in this. So I won’t be able to buy them.”
There was a pause. But then, a shift.
“It’s okay. I couldn’t buy anything. But I heard you need help with loading materials. I’ll do that instead.”
She smiled. Rolled up her sleeves. And got to work.
A Family of Contribution
Not only did she help load materials, but she also brought her young child along. Together, they lifted, carried, and folded.
“I’ll contribute in whichever way I can,” she said before leaving. “Contribution doesn’t always have to be money or things. It can also be this.”
In that moment, the team didn’t just feel helped. They felt reminded of what contribution really means.
″Akka and her child helping with material loading at a Goonj collection camp in Chennai″
Be a Part of Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
