Work It Out

You swore you were going to lose those last 10 pounds before summer. But after one more crappy date, you found yourself buried in a bucket of rocky road ice cream.

Well now you have a good reason to get up off that lazy bum.

This Saturday, June 30^th, the Asha For Education NYC/NJ chapter will host their 4^th annual run/walk at Riverside Park in Manhattan. 100% percent of the proceeds will go towards providing educational projects for underprivileged children in India. The international organization works with chapters around the world to encourage awareness and to allow people of all walks life get involved in great cause. So if you’re not in the New York area, you can still contact your local chapter for upcoming events or make a donation online.

And just in case that wasn’t reason enough to participate, a plethora of Indian snacks and refreshments will be served at the end of the run.

So you can indulge that sweet tooth after all.

Asha For Education, www.ashanet.org

Cry Me A River

You have so many good intentions. Call mom more often. Help old ladies across the street. Stop charging new shoes to your maxed out card.

Some things are easier than others. With CRY (Child Rights and You) you can put all of those intentions to good use.

CRY is a human rights organization that works by acting as a link between grassroots organizations with little resources and the people who do. CRY does all the dirty work seeking out grants which it then distributes to organizations that help build schools, create social change, end the caste system, and provide health care to the underprivileged.

CRY has chapters across the country where you can volunteer, work, and of course donate. For all of you in Boston tonight, you can check out CRY's fundraiser with Generation Desi at Nick's Comedy Shop featuring the likes of comics, Masala Mami and Desi Bad Boy.

Giving never felt so good.

CRY America, www.cry.org

Generation Desi, www.generationdesi.com

Pay It Forward

Another Dior handbag, another Sabyasachi dress, what does it all mean if you can share a little with your sisters?

Good thing there’s Maitri. The San Francisco based organization created to help South Asian women in abusive relationships, human trafficking or other family conflict, aids women with legal, medical, and financial services while they learn to get back on their feet. In addition, Maitri provides low-cost housing for women in need of assistance after transitioning into a new life. Believing that the best relationships are characterized by empowerment, Maitri focuses its work on helping South Asian women make educated decisions and encouraging self-confidence and independence.

Maitri also has various job and volunteer opportunities in positions ranging from public speaking, teaching English, to event planning. Of course if you can’t volunteer, you can always donate online as well.

So buy that purse on sale next time and throw a little coin to your ladies.

Maitri, 408-436-8393, Toll Free Hotline 1-888-8MAITRI,
www.maitri.org