 |
| Hazel Nash, at the inauguration of the 'Fred Kahl Health Centre Facilities' |
The new ‘Fred Kahl
Health Centre Facilities’ were inaugurated at Udayan on 16th April 2019, as a
tribute to the late Fred Kahl, a man of wide interests and a generous heart, who
had a committed concern for our children.
His wife, Hazel Nash
ONZM (Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit awarded to her by Queen
Elizabeth II) was here to open the facilities, along with Kathryn Spink and
John Coo from City of Joy Aid, UK, who had together raised most of the funds
for the project at a gala dinner at Eton College in memory of Fred.
Fred stayed at Udayan
on two occasions. During his visits in 2013 and 2014, he became a favourite
with our children due to his friendly and supportive nature, and the Udayan
senior girls even taught him to dance!
Fred and Hazel had
previously, with help from the Juniper Trust, improved the vegetable garden at
Udayan by making it monsoon proof and more productive. That garden now provides
our children with nutritious, homegrown food. It was at Fred and Hazel’s
initiative also that Eton parents and staff gifted soft-toys, cricket sweaters,
rugby shirts and even Manchester United football shirts for our children.
Fred’s last visit to
Udayan, before Christmas 2014, cemented his relationship with the home and his
interest in our children’s welfare. Sadly, however, his failing health
prevented him from returning to India.
Recalling that Fred
had recognized the need for improving the health care facilities at Udayan,
when he died Hazel felt it a fitting memorial to try and introduce such
improvements.
Hazel Nash and City
of Joy Aid, UK, are now helping Udayan with the health and hygiene facilities
and programmes for children at Udayan, starting with the upgrade of medical
facilities (the painting and refurbishment of the medical and doctor’s rooms
and sick bays), along with the restoration of Father James's cottage, which has
been restored and set up as an isolation sick bay.
Udayan is very
grateful for all the love and joy that Fred Kahl brought to the children of
Udayan, the ongoing support and passion of his wife Hazel Nash, and the
generosity of their friends and associates who helped make this project a
reality.
 |
| The newly renovated 'Fred Kahl Health Facilities' include an isolation ward for sick children. |
