In many ways, her website is a reflection of who she is. It is plain and simple, has a conventional easy-to-read font and there is a sweet melody of a Goan folk song playing in the background. But while the website created by Dubai-based Indian expat Cynthia Fernandes may look pretty ordinary, what it does is quite extraordinary. On more than one occasion it has helped people who were in dire need.
Cynthia recalls a recent occasion when her website helped a family who have a child with special needs. "They were in need of funds for the purchase of a special wheelchair for their paraplegic child,'' says Cynthia.
She did a check to establish the genuineness of the case and took up the cause, posting a message on her site.
In addition to organising a charity dance show and an auction, she "circulated emails through my group of contacts. At the end of the exercise, we managed to collect more than twice the amount that the family was seeking!" says Cynthia, who is a single mother and has had her own share of misfortunes.
"At any given time there are at least ten visitors online," she says proudly.
The site is her window to the world. "It is pretty basic and is in black and white. I do not have the time to jazz it up with fancy colours and nifty touches. I like keeping things simple and hassle free," says Cynthia, who would rather spend the time on a charity initiative.
Cynthia's formula is very simple. She has a network of almost 5,000 friends on social-networking site facebook in addition to her own website to promote her causes. When someone approaches her with a genuine request for help, she first interacts with the person to find out all the facts and then posts messages about the case on her wall. The visitors to her site offer whatever they can towards the cause, which is then forwarded to the person concerned.
"There is so much that one can do - we just need to be open and willing to help…
"As a member of the community who once took from it, I feel it is my moral duty to give back. My own children have now completed their education and are working in very good positions in Dubai so I dedicate my time and resources to others.''
She also provides free one-to-one marital counselling for women.
"Life isn't easy - it was never promised to be that way. We all have difficulties. We all have battles. But only those who are strong come through winners.
"The darkest time in my life was when my husband left me with two small children. I was in a foreign land, without a job at the time but I pulled through. I had the support of my family and friends," says Cynthia who is known for the goody bags she gives away to needy children and the charity balls she organises for them at Christmas.
Through her social network she gets in touch with people who are in need and is always willing to offer them a helping hand.
"The help could be in any form - sometimes all he or she is looking for is a person to listen to them. I like to share a meal with them... make them feel at home... I feel happy to see them smile and let go of their worries, even if it is for [just] a while.''
She also arranges get-togethers for children with special needs and also their families. "They are opportunities for people to get together, have a good meal, enjoy themselves and take home gifts. This truly makes me happy."
Inside info
To find out more about Cynthia Fernandes' initiatives, visit: www.cynthiafernandes.info
Ruqya Khan is a Sharjah based freelancer
