The world is not without its well-meaning people. People who believe in reaching out to the helpless in their hour of need. People who believe that sharing their surplus resources with others will result in multiplication of their joys. The profile of such a sensitive and socially committed person matches that of a Times of India reader. It was to provide a link between its readers and the calamity-stricken that the Times Group set up the Times of India Relief Fund.

Methodology:

Before setting up a relief fund, the Times Group conducts a survey of the devastation with the help of local journalists of the Group. If it is felt that TOIRF can make a substantial contribution to the lives of the calamity-affected people, it announces the formation of a specific relief fund with a hefty initial contribution. Then begins the process of motiviating donors by carrying appeals for donations during crises. Each publication of the group carries such appeals and, later, lists of donors.

Disbursement:

The main aim of TOIRF is to provide lasting relief which will add value to the lives of those devastated by a calamity. The fund thus focuses on building schools, houses, community centres, health centres etc.

TOIRF's commitment towards total rehabilitation can best be judged from the fact that members of the Times Group have personally travelled to remote destinations to ensure that assistance reaches the beneficiary concerned. Collections made by TOIRF are meticulously accounted and audited, and steps are taken to ensure that every donation is spent on rehabilitation.