Danaher Moulton is not your average law firm, in many ways. We are incredibly fortunate to have leadership that genuinely values community contribution and believes that success should be measured not only by profit, but by purpose.
This year, that purpose took 15 of our staff to India to support the young girls and the sisters who live at St Charles Home in Pampanvilai, Tamil Nadu. The trip was open to all staff, and those who participated represented all practice groups and all levels of seniority. This was the second trip our firm has made to India – the first, in 2023, involved funding, building and then handing over houses for 3 local families.
The association with St Charles Home has been coordinated by our CEO, Clarence Kunnel, a Kerala local. Danaher Moulton has funded several improvements to St Charles Home, all aimed at supporting the sisters in their extraordinary work caring for the residents. These projects included the construction of a new driveway, a covered washing and hanging station (essentially a much-needed laundry facility), the installation of solar panels, and a commitment to purchase a new washing machine.
St Charles Home is home to girls and young women aged between 10 and 35, many of whom live with significant physical or intellectual disabilities. During our visit, we had the privilege of staying overnight at the home. What struck us the most is that St Charles is truly a home in every sense of the word, a place built on unwavering foundations of love, compassion and devotion, shared between women and girls.
The home is run by an incredible group of nuns who have dedicated their lives entirely to the service of others. Importantly, St Charles Home does not receive funding or support from the government or other institutions. It is entirely self-run, which means every contribution, no matter how small, is received with such genuine gratitude that it is deeply moving to witness.
On arrival, we were greeted with the most wholesome and thoughtful welcome. The sisters and girls had decorated the home and prepared a phenomenal concert, showcasing their singing, dancing and crafting abilities. Our staff were even invited on stage to have a boogie with the girls, which for many of us, was a favourite memory from the trip.
During our time at St Charles Home, we formed a genuine connection with the sisters and the girls, and were deeply inspired by the strength, kindness, and resilience of the women around us.
While we were in Kerala, we also had the opportunity to visit Ozanam Karunya Bhavan Old Age Home, run by the Society of St Vincent de Paul. It is a residential home primarily for elderly men, although it also cares for some younger residents with special needs. We shared a traditional South Indian meal with the residents, which was catered by Danaher Moulton. The meal comprised of rice, curries, condiments, and bread served on a beautiful green banana leaf and eaten the traditional way – by hand! Let’s just say some of us were more successful than others!
Beyond the food, what stood out again was the dedication of the sisters who care for the residents and the sacrifices they make for their community.
Reflecting on the trip, what stays with us most is the bond we formed with the sisters at St Charles Home, friendships we hope to continue nurturing in the years to come.
Danaher Moulton is committed to building an ongoing relationship with the sisters, returning in the future to provide further assistance and support, and visiting them again to continue learning from and contributing to their incredible work.
