When Every Minute Counts: A Mother’s Tears, A Child’s Hope

by Success Stories

When Every Minute Counts: A Mother’s Tears, A Child’s Hope

When Every Minute Counts: A Mother’s Tears, A Child’s Hope

This morning 04th June 2025, around 10:30 a.m., we received a call from Inamdar Hospital. A young child was in urgent need of surgery. The operation was scheduled, the surgeon was ready — but the parents were not. They had exhausted every possible source, running from door to door, trying desperately to collect the required funds. They had managed to gather most of the amount… but were still short by ₹17,000.

And that shortfall was enough for the surgery to be put on hold.

At 12 noon, I asked the parents to come to us. I didn’t have that amount readily available in the Helping Hearts account — but I also knew that this was not a moment to wait. The child couldn’t afford the delay. So, trusting in the goodness of humanity and the promise of help that always finds its way, I handed them a cheque of ₹17,000.

The mother broke down as she took it from my hands. Her tears were of relief, of desperation momentarily lifted. By 1:30 p.m., the operation was done.

This is the heart of Helping Hearts.
We may not always have the means — but we always have the will. And when it comes to saving lives, even a risk is worth taking.

Nirmala’s Journey: A Story of Compassion and Change

by Success Stories

Nirmala’s Journey: A Story of Compassion and Change

Nirmala’s Journey: A Story of Compassion and Change

Nirmala, a homeless woman living near the market, had a life marked by hardship. Despite her struggles and a heavy drinking habit, she had a heart full of love for animals. Nirmala dedicated herself to caring for the street dogs in her area, feeding them and ensuring they were safe.

Her family included a daughter who had completed her 12th grade and was married, living a stable life. Her son, Sunny, worked sporadically in the market, but the family struggled to make ends meet. Over time, Nirmala developed cataracts in both eyes, leaving her vision severely impaired.

Moved by her resilience and love for animals, Helping Hearts decided to step in and transform their lives. Under the guidance of our founder, Mrs. Shehla Naik, we took the following steps:

Employment for the family: Sunny and his wife, Hasina, were employed by Helping Hearts. Hasina now cooks food for dogs, while Sunny was provided with a rickshaw to help transport injured animals and feed street dogs in areas like Command Hospital Road, Convent Street, and Undri.

Medical aid: Nirmala underwent cataract surgery to restore her vision.

Dignified livelihood: A handcart was purchased for Nirmala, enabling her to earn a living with dignity instead of begging.

Our journey with this family is far from over. To ensure their sustainability and extend their ability to help animals, we aim to buy them a tempo soon.

If this story touches your heart and you wish to support Nirmala and her family, we warmly invite you to contribute. Your generosity will not only uplift their lives but also help us continue making a difference in the lives of animals and people in need.

Together, let’s make compassion a way of life.

Donate Now and Be a Part of This Journey!

COVID-19 Relief

by Our Work

Covid-19 Relief

Extending a hand of care and hope to those affected by COVID-19 through gentle financial aid, timely help, and heartfelt relief.

We, at Helping Hearts, distributed rations worth Rs. 2,000 plus Rs. 1,000 in cash to 600-700 needy families irrespective of caste, creed or religion during the lockdown starting in March 2020. We appointed volunteers from specific areas and managed the distribution through them. Some of the areas in and around Pune are listed below:

  • Patil Basti
  • Kashiwadi
  • Sayyed Nagar
  • Bhavani Peth
  • Shivneri
  • Bavdhan
  • Pimpri-Chincwad
  • A Village in Sangli
  • A Basti in Taloja
  • And random people who called us.

Umair’s Road to Recovery After Hit and Run Accident

by Success Stories

Umair’s Road to Recovery After Hit and Run Accident

Umair’s Road to Recovery After Hit and Run Accident

7-year-old Umair was walking to school one day when a rash car driver ran over his foot injuring him badly. The car driver having driven away, Umair was rushed to hospital by his father, Abdul Jaleel, a helper cum watchman in a housing society. The young boy had to undergo multiple surgeries to replace the tissue in his foot from other parts of his body. Unable to bear the expenses of his son’s treatment, Abdul Jaleel approached Helping Hearts and we were glad to help him with Rs. 35,000/- After the operations, Umair is now recuperating at home but undergoes painful and sedation-requiring dressing for his wounds. Fortunately, his leg will be healed completely and Umair will be able to walk normally again soon.