From Feb 15-18, Bonnie Cappuccino was visiting Child Haven's orphanage in Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat State in India, 200 km from the epicenter of the earthquake which killed tens of thousands and orphaned a huge number of children. We hadn't been able to contact the Home for two days, and then Kalaben, our wonderful manager, was able to call out. She phoned our home in Hyderabad with the news that everyone at Child Haven was OK. But there was a lot of destruction in nearby Ahmedabad, with much loss of life. (Our Home in Hyderabad India was not affected - the Hyderabad mentioned in the news was in Pakistan, much closer to the epicenter, and suffering considerable damage).

I phoned Bonnie in Gandhinagar on Feb 16th. She said they were anticipating a number of earthquake orphans coming to our Gandhinagar Home, which normally has about 30 children and a staff of seven (six are below). Bonnie had talked with the staff regarding a possible influx of children, and they all agreed that we should accept as many children as we can. Bonnie was quite moved by their unhesitating willingness to do this, even though it will mean more work and considerable inconvenience in the short run. Of course, we will hire more staff and rent more space as needed. Although some media have been saying some of these orphaned children will be adopted, none of those coming to Child Haven will be available for adoption abroad.

Our Gandhinagar building (rented) was inspected by city engineers, who said the building was safe, but the few cracks should be repaired.

While Child Haven is not set up to do relief work, we are set up to carry on the short-term or long-term care of children who need a safe environment in which to live and grow up. We are now accepting donations for victims of the earthquake.

Several friends of Child Haven are working hard to alleviate the suffering of earthquake victims. Nathubhai Patel, a state social service official, has been visiting many places and finding temporary lodging for the homeless. He appreciated the offer from Child Haven to receive children, and possibly some widowed mothers as Caregivers. But the government is being very careful in assigning children so that their legal status is clear.

Dr Chitania, Gandhinagar member of Child Haven's India Board, took time off from his practice and went to a village for five days to do surgery on many victims. Bonnie and her son Robin Cappuccino visited a local hospital and saw other victims brought from Bhuj, a city which was flattened. Bonnie and Robin were surprised both at the number of amputations - and at the cheerfulness of the victims. These people have an amazing resilience. Because of respect for them Bonnie didn't take any photos.

Longtime friend Jaspal Singh, a Minister in the State Government, asked for advice on setting up an orphanage similar to Child Haven in his home town of Vadodara (Baroda). Our manager, Kalaben, will see him about that. Kalaben is also collecting books and toys to take to the hospital for the children who have to wait there with nothing to do as they recuperate. Arjun, our Nepal Co-ordinator, sent some books and supplies from Nepal to Kalaben.

The Deputy Collector, Jayshree, whom we have known for many years (She lived in Calgary for a year) has been working around the clock co-ordinating the relief sent from the capital (Gandhinagar) to the various villages. She also knows that Child Haven is willing to receive children.

Child Haven friend George Fernandes, Defense Minister of India, has been in the earthquake area directing Army units in relief efforts.