About CCOT
The roots of CCOT trace back to the late 1970s and early 1980s. During one Christmas season, a group of underprivileged children were invited to the club and given sweets and gifts. What began as a simple act of kindness gradually became an annual informal tradition. Over time, this initiative evolved into one of CCOT’s earliest organized programs i.e., ‘Fun Day,’ originally known as ‘Orphans’ Day.’ Later, Mr. Noel Mathias, a coffee estate owner in Chikkamangaluru started an informal gathering in 1982. Upon his return from the Estate, Mr. Mathais brought with him Rs. 2,000, which was generously contributed by various individuals—with the intent of using the money to bring joy to underprivileged children before Christmas.
This event gave rise to the main motive of CCOT, i.e., to help the underprivileged children. From that day, the community poured in the capital and the resources to make every Christmas a memorable day for the underprivileged children.
Mr. Noel DeNazareth along with Mr. Brian D’Lima, both a part of the committee at the time, took the initiative to raise funds by approaching various departments to conduct their first ever official event in St. Joseph’s School playground. About 200 children participated in this event. Held between 3 pm and 6:30 pm, the program included games, sports activities, and a special Christmas moment featuring Santa Claus distributing chocolates. By 1983, the event moved to Catholic Club on a smaller scale, where funds were once again raised and spent directly on the children.
In 1989, under the leadership of President Mr. Noel De Nazareth and Treasurer Mr. E. V. Colaso, the initiative took a decisive step towards structure and sustainability. Recognizing the need for formal organization, they worked to officially register the Trust as Catholic Club Orphans’ Trust (CCOT). With the Bishop’s blessing, whom they appointed as Patron, and an initial sum of Rs. 10,000 in hand, the organization gained a solid institutional foundation. In the years that followed, the number of children attending the event grew steadily, and the scope of the initiative expanded beyond a single day of celebration to a broader commitment toward their welfare.
Today, CCOT has grown into a sustained and structured organisation, supporting 10 homes and impacting over 850 children through more than a dozen initiatives. What began as a simple Christmas gathering has evolved into a comprehensive effort to transform lives. Through programs such as the Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Fun Day, POCSO sessions, Medical Camps, and other outreach efforts, CCOT now works to ensure not just moments of joy, but long-term stability — providing infrastructure support, access to education, healthcare, and holistic care.
From a day of celebration to a mission of empowerment, CCOT continues to expand its reach, guided by the same spirit of compassion that first brought children together decades ago — now strengthened by structure, purpose, and sustained commitment.
