Since last 15+ years, MAITRI volunteers are raising funds with the help of old newspapers collected from thousands of families and few offices in Pune. Unwanted old newspapers stack and occupy the place in the house, so it is easy for people to commit for their donation in the form of old newspapers.

By word of mouth this idea got picked up by many people residing in different residential complex, at various locations in Pune. In any society, volunteer or group of residents take up this activity for their society. Then in a formal meeting with the Chairman or Secretary of the Residential Society, purpose of the newspaper collection drive is described. Volunteer of MAITRI explains the basic idea of collecting bundles of newspapers and money raised through selling of newspaper. All the money goes to MAITRI accounts and the receipt is given on the name of the society.

After getting the permission to put up the notice on the board about collection drive, well in advance the notice is send to the society’s office. Volunteers from the society, follow the residents, and even supervise the process. After an hour or half the newspaper bundles get collected in parking area of each building or in the club house. The volunteer from the society then calls up the person to pick up the bundles to depot. Sunday morning time is fixed and tempo drivers or Raddi depot owners in particular area take the responsibility of weighing and calculating the amount raised after selling the lot.        

The amount is collected by the volunteer and deposited by MAITRI office and the receipt of MAITRI is issued in the name of the society.This process is set after many experiments in different areas. Accepting the delay for collection, or change in timing, holiday or strike of Tempo, volunteers work accordingly and get the work done.

Dedication of few volunteers- and  commitment of residents are the very important factors in making this idea workable and even proved very successful for raising the funds for MAITRI. Regularity and sincere efforts of volunteers are very important in making this MAITRI activity as Societies important event.

Activity started in 2006, from raising Rs.20/- after selling newspapers from one society. Gradually this activity became systematic and today we are depositing not less than Rs.10,000/- from a society. Every month 8 to 9 societies give their old Newspapers to MAITRI, to sell and raise money for different programs in Melghat.

In last 10/12 years MAITRI could raise more than Rs. 24,74,444 simply by selling old Newspapers. Last year MAITRI conducted a huge drive in the city and raised Rs. 2,75,799 on a Sunday. Thousands of families, few schools, offices, are connected to MAITRI in this activity. Residents engaged in this activity say that “MAITRI gives opportunity of volunteering for a noble cause and even chance to meet their own neighbours on Sunday morning. It becomes enjoyable because it takes only an hour and that too once a month”.