They are a normal couple who prefer anonymity and would rather be happy if the world knew by their Facebook page ‘Thabitha Crafts’. What makes them extraordinary is how they use their little hobby -crochet- for the betterment of a poor section of society.
Under the label of Thabitha Crafts, the couple has been imparting crochet lessons to children at orphanages and single and impoverished women. They also ensure that the products are sold off.
“We began taking online crochet lessons after coming to Kochi. But, then this idea popped up as to why not make it into something useful. It was all a coincidence. We first tried to teach our helper’s daughters. When we found this to be beneficial, we decided to move into a larger level,” says the couple whose sole aim is nothing but goodwill.
“We get no monetary benefit and our only reward is the joy we spread among these people,” they said
But, not everything was easy. Once they decided on the mission, the next step was identifying the potential beneficiaries. Their first choice was the Udaya Colony. “But, we couldn’t go on with the venture as they weren’t very enthusiastic,” they said.
But, determined to do their bit, ‘Thabitha Crafts’ decided to give classes to children and women at a nearby Anganwadi. That’s how they got in touch with nuns at Prathyasha Bhavan. “They organised a few women who were ready to learn. Soon we were teaching many. The money from the sale of the products go to them,” they said. They are also providing lessons to the women at San Thom Colony at Fort Kochi.
But, according to the ‘Thabitha Crafts’, there were still issues. “Since it was children who enthusiastically crocheted materials, we could not sell them,” they say.
But, their service venture got a fillip once Rebecca Tennant, the India chief of charity organisation Global Vision International came, to the picture.
Rebecca who was impressed by the venture took it to herself to promote them. She brought their products in bulk and exhibited it in UK where it was sold enmasse during a New Year sale.
‘Tabhitha Crafts’ provides yarn and other materials for the women for free until they earn enough to buy it themselves. Now, the couple has set up a website which they plan to use as a platform to sell the products.
“We believe in providing a platform for the underprivileged. We help them earn a living without depending on their husbands. It is a matter of pride for us to know that we could do something to better their lives. All we seek is that more people view the home page of ‘Thabitha Crafts’ so that they get more customers,” says the couple who thinks publicity would only hinder their urge to serve the needy.