Merlin Group celebrates 'Joy of Giving' at Acropolis Mall

Merlin Group, a leading real estate group of India, formally inaugurated its 'Joy of Giving Initiative' by donating old clothes. The initiative in line with its corporate philosophy of giving back to society, was announced on August 7, at Acropolis Mall, India's leading premium mall.

As part of the initiative christened 'Be A Friend In Need', Acropolis Mall had collaborated with Kolkata Society For Cultural Heritage – a social enterprise and announced a donation drive, where it has invited people to donate their old clothes at Acropolis Mall. The employees of Merlin Group including those of Acropolis Mall had also donated clothes to support the noble cause.

The drive has culminated recently as K Vijayan, GM, Acropolis Mall, presented old clothes to Sourav Mukherjee, FounderDirector of Kolkata Society For Cultural Heritage (KSCH); and Sadhana Saha, Founder member, Pather Sathi in a formal function at Acropolis Mall. Shyamal Juin , HR Manager, Merlin Group was also present to extend their support to the noble cause.

The donation drive witnessed participation of enthusiastic people, who came to the Acropolis Mall and donated their clothes. Further, KSCH will segregate good quality clothes and the clothes will be donated to Pather Sathi, who will in turn present it to the people in need in adjoining area of Anandapur. Rest of the products will be pick up by KSCH which will be used to produce up cycled items by the marginalised women. KSCH will start a skill training programme to produce recycle and up cycle the solid waste to empower marginalised section of the society.

Speaking on the occasion, Saket Mohta, Managing Director, Merlin Group , developer of Acropolis Mall, Home land mall, Ibiza, the fern resort said, "Be a friend in Need, drive is a part of our corporate social responsibility initiative, which is to extend support to our brethren in need and be the reason for their smile. Our initiative has two pronged purposes. Good clothes will bring cheer to the faces of less privileged section of the society. Secondly, our drive will also help protect environment from waste as the torn clothes will be used to produce upcycled items by the marginalised women thus contributing to their empowerment." Merlin group also collaborated with Kolkata Society for Cultural Heritage and State Urban Development Agency and organised an exhibition of rakhis for three days till August 15, at Acropolis Mall, designed by self help groups of women.