As part of a "triple bottom line" policy, roomsXML Australia are thrilled to announce sponsorship of the Samridhdhi Trust in Bangalore,India.

Mark Luckey, MD roomsXML Asia Pac "I've been doing business with India since 2003 … such a large gap between rich and poor … the incredible poverty in some areas…the lack of opportunities these kids get. It's so in-your-face, given the nature of our global business, it was the right place for us to contribute. "

Mark was introduced to Mom Banerjee (who heads the trust) by business partner and close friend, Vivek Jain.  Mom's history includes a successful sales and marketing career with HSBC, Ford and Intel which she gave up to focus attention on lifting the education standards across India.

Mom says " In India, every state speaks a different language.....our focus is supporting the families moving from rural environment to bigger metropolis like Bangalore whose children easily fall prey to child labour. "

The ongoing monthly donation ensures 80 kids are guaranteed breakfast every school day, which otherwise they simply wouldn't get; no breakfast means it is impossible to keep their concentration in class.

Luckey says "In April 2012 we made a visit to a "Bridging School" in Bangalore to see first-hand the work which is being carried out by the Samridhdhi Trust,  its so grassroots - the right to education. Such hard-working teachers and their families putting their own lives on hold to make a difference to so many kids. The kids were so friendly, so excitable. The teachers: amazing, generous people.

In the last 2 years 600 out-of-school children between 4-14 years have attended four Bridge schools in Bangalore, saving 400 of them from child labour . Last academic year, out of 65 children placed in mainstream school, 18 of them had scored more than 80% in their annual exams and three of them scored more than 97. This academic year we could admit 115 more children, hence totalling 180 children in mainstream!

Luckey says "One great aspect of working in travel is you can really appreciate how lucky we are in Australia.  It is important to give something back to your community and in this case, roomsXML has a global community, so we are giving back."