becozy Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 From: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bollywo...how/4579694.cms Gerard visits Slumdog kids 27 May 2009, 0000 hrs IST, AFSANA AHMED , TNN Hollywood actor Gerard Butler, who notoriously partied at Priyanka Chopra’s Versova residence, also reportedly took Slumdog Millionaire kid stars Azhar Ismail and Rubina Ali to a five-star dinner when he was in Mumbai recently. What nobody knows is that the actor also secretly visited their shanties in Bandra’s Garib Nagar slums. With a severe headache and fever, Gerard first went to Azhar’s house, but the boy had gone out to buy some pet birds and the Hollywood actor was compelled to wait for him to return. Gerard, who has seen Slumdog thrice and is a fan of the young actors, was shocked at the pitiable condition in which child star of the Oscar winning film lived. From there, Gerard went to Rubina’s house, where he chatted the girl and her parents. He reportedly told Rubina that he would one day love to have a daughter like her. And that when she grew up, she was bound to be a stunner. But before that, the Hollywood star promised to help in cash and kind towards bettering the kids’ living conditions. “Humne suna hai ki woh paanch lakh dene wale hai Azhar ke naam pe,” said Azhar’s mother. There was no confirmation of what Gerard has promised Rubina. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donnie Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 Thank you so much for the information!!! It shows how wonderful this man is!!! Hopefully, he feels better now (as we saw from the pictures)!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasharose Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 It is so like Gerry to have done this with no fanfare at all. Just reinforces what a great person he is. Some celebs would have taken a camera crew with them to have their moment of glory in the press ... not GB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paisleyscot Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 Gerry has a huge heart! How could it not effect someone after seeing their living conditions. I'm sure He'll do what he can. It's so heartwrenching to see how so many people have to live around the world. Cheryl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shamrocked Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 I just knew in my heart that when Gerry saw for himself the conditions these kids live in, he would do something for them and he did. What a great big heart he has! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas gramma Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 Can anyone translate what Gerry is said to have told Azhar's mother? Suzie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBPhanatic Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 Gerry must have visited the kids before they bulldozed their homes. It's ironic that they chose to do that while he was in the country. I didn't know Gerry could speak the language. I thought that was what his mother said to Gerry. D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BaileyS Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 (edited) This IS beautiful. I'm so glad that this story can come out about Gerry. This really shows what a man he really is. How awesome he is willing to help and improve their living conditions. They are horrible. No child in ANY country should have to live in such ways. I bet it was a real eye opener. I'd love to know what was said, but I'm glad no one knows. It is good to keep some things personal. I'm sure it was a really great experience for Gerry to have. India really invokes something in him so I'm happy he went. The man would be an amazing father. He said he wanted a daughter to be like Abigail Breslin too! I can't wait for him to find the right woman and have a family, he is going to be so great at it. And the poor guy was sick the whole time? He is an angel. Edited May 26, 2009 by BaileyS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suegrint1 Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 when i heard about the childrens homes being bulldozed, i had a strong feeling that gerry would try and help in some way as the children affected him so much and he had such a great time with them. it is also great how gerry never wants to draw attention to himself and shows what a great person he is as to not bring press etc. into the equation and just do something on his own back without any fuss. we have seen that before with kids kicking cancer compaign, where he really gets involved, without any praise for himself. it makes you understand how much we have that others dont. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izzabeta Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 This just goes to show what a wonderful man he really is. I love how he never wants to draw attention to himself, and how he never asks for a thing in return. He's doing this out of the kindness in his heart. I am so proud of him. Not many people in this world could give a rats furry arse about what goes on, it's so heartbreaking to see what these wonderful children are going through. Gerry truly is one of a kind, and we love him even more for it. My hat is off to him =] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenixgirl Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 Gerry ... I hope you realize what a beautiful thing you have done by touching the lives of those children. I know you probably don't want any recognition for your generosity, but you deserve to know how you inspire people and give us hope that there is good in this world. I don't need to know what the mother said to you ... if it was meant to be known it would have been translated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the reader Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 It is truly a wonderful thing--perhaps instead of planting trees, we could help Gerry build real homes for these kids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoniqueD Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 That was really nice and touching for Gerry to do that. It shows that he has a good heart. He's the only one by far I see doing these kind of good deeds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Slayer Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 I'm sure there are others who are helping out who have the means to do so also. There are trusts for the Slumdog kids to find decent housing and schooling for them. Good on you Gerry...I kinda figured he would help them out in some way if he saw how they had to live. You're the best! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 how sweet thanks for posting the article Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shirsan Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 See, I told you his tears are real. He visits and tries to help even when he is VERY sick. His heart is so tender that he feels everyone's pain, when he allows himself to, and I think that is pretty often. I love him absolutely for who he is inside and out. True beauty. Sandy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnywhit Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 It is truly a wonderful thing--perhaps instead of planting trees, we could help Gerry build real homes for these kids. I'll go along with that, maybe we should start a Fund for the children in India, I'd be glad to make a donation! What do you say Gals? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izzabeta Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 Count me in ginny! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan~Sporran Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 At this point in time it does not seem to be lack of money that is the problem, though it may be how the money gets utilized. I heard a story where the families of the children had been sent to several different housing options in better parts of the city but none of them want to leave the neighborhood they know. So even when given the opportunity to move to better places they want to stay where they are because everyone and everything they know is there. I know that the shanty of one of the boys was torn down recently so that family will likely have to move, and hopefully won't just move in with another family in the slum. The issue becomes bigger and bigger, and gets into realms we can't begin to fathom. From what I've read the name of the charity involved in the project is Plan - which helps the children of Mumbai and that's the charity to which Danny Boyle and his co-producer donated nearly $750,000 a few months ago. The situation these children live in is heartbreaking and I can't imagine being in Gerry's shoes, meeting them in person, seeing their conditions with his own eyes. He has such a big heart I'm sure it broke to experience that and of course he would want to try to help some way. We don't discourage anyone from contributing to funds that exist to help these kids - follow your heart. Most of the fundraising campaigns on GALS, except the few that are specifically started by the site (like we have done for Scottish Youth Theatre in the past) or sponsored by GALS Charitable Foundation at the convention are actually spearheaded by individual members. Even our support on behalf of Toys for Tots was started and is still spearheaded by Bellawolfe, like Peigi McCann spearheads the Trees for Life campaign. Nobody is required to give to any of the various charity efforts, we just try to help by giving them some space and support here. Charitable giving doesn't have to be an "either or" situation - different people have different passions which are intended to do good things. It is up to each member to choose the efforts to support personally. If anyone has specific information on how to contribute to funds that are already in existance to help these children feel free to post about it here or in the charity forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnywhit Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 Count me in ginny! I would be willing to start the donations off with $l00.00 check if the Monitors will let us start a fund. It would be for Gerry Butler's kids. Just tell me where to send the money. Not only are the Stars from slumdog millionaire suffering there is a real problem in India. Received this info from a Missonary who was in India and lived there quite a long time. Ginny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Slayer Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 Thanks Susan for that. I also read that they usually locate these families far away from their work which makes it almost impossible for them to get to easily so naturally they come back again. These slums just get built up again, although they hadn't torn down this particular one for 15 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnywhit Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 Thanks Susan for that. I also read that they usually locate these families far away from their work which makes it almost impossible for them to get to easily so naturally they come back again. These slums just get built up again, although they hadn't torn down this particular one for 15 years. That is part of the problem, the people do not want to leave the area and it remains a slum area. They will usually come back and it will stay or eventually get back in that condition again. Ginny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnywhit Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 Just talked to Dr. Smythe and he said there is an orphanage that is needing money to help get the children off of the streets, who are homeless and have lost parents. If we are able to do something like donate some money to all the children in India, he will give me the address in Bombay. He said Slumdog Millionaire was very true in the aspect of the lost children, who haven't any parents and wander the streets begging. Just thought I'd pass that on. If the monitors O'K it I'd be responsible for getting the address from Bombay. I'd of course like to do this in honor of Gerard Butler, therefore Gerry Butler's Kids. Feedback please. Ginny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenixgirl Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 Just talked to Dr. Smythe and he said there is an orphanage that is needing money to help get the children off of the streets, who are homeless and have lost parents. If we are able to do something like donate some money to all the children in India, he will give me the address in Bombay. He said Slumdog Millionaire was very true in the aspect of the lost children, who haven't any parents and wander the streets begging. Just thought I'd pass that on. If the monitors O'K it I'd be responsible for getting the address from Bombay. I'd of course like to do this in honor of Gerard Butler, therefore Gerry Butler's Kids. Feedback please. Ginny I bet he would be honored to know that his fans care about another cause that's important to him. I would be proud to be a part of this to represent Gerry and his fans. Ginny, let me know how I can help. Lisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnywhit Posted May 27, 2009 Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 Just talked to Dr. Smythe and he said there is an orphanage that is needing money to help get the children off of the streets, who are homeless and have lost parents. If we are able to do something like donate some money to all the children in India, he will give me the address in Bombay. He said Slumdog Millionaire was very true in the aspect of the lost children, who haven't any parents and wander the streets begging. Just thought I'd pass that on. If the monitors O'K it I'd be responsible for getting the address from Bombay. I'd of course like to do this in honor of Gerard Butler, therefore Gerry Butler's Kids. Feedback please. Ginny I bet he would be honored to know that his fans care about another cause that's important to him. I would be proud to be a part of this to represent Gerry and his fans. Ginny, let me know how I can help. Lisa Thanks, I think we are on our way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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