The spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic across the world has brought entire nations to a standstill. As a measure to prevent extensive transmission of the virus, the Government of India announced an extensive lockdown for a period of 21 days starting March 25. During this time, all no-essential shops, establishments and non-essential activities have been ordered to be stopped. All citizens have been advised to remain indoors and only step out in case of emergencies.
While the strict lockdown measures are essential to curb the virus, the move has left people from various walks of life vulnerable, with many facing a lack of essential supplies and even funds to access them. Daily wage earners and workers in the unorganised sector, residents of old age homes, elderly residents living by themselves and persons with disabilities could all be adversely impacted by the lockdown.
Various fundraisers and volunteer efforts have come up to support those in need during this difficult time. Those who are looking to contribute through cash, kind or volunteering their time could check out the following fundraisers and call for action in Chennai.
Chennai Corporation
Citizens can contribute to the relief fund of the Greater Chennai Corporation which will be used to assist the urban poor. The transfers can be made online or through cheque.
Bank details for online transfers:
Name of Account Holder: THE COMMISSIONER, GREATER CHENNAI CORPORATION – CSR
Account Number: 000901126630
Bank: ICICI BANK
Branch: NUNGAMBAKKAM BRANCH
MICR Number : 600229003
IFSC Code : ICIC0000009
Donations in kind are also accepted. Supplies such as rice, dal and other cooking essentials, masks, soaps, sanitisers and disinfectants can be dropped off at two collection centers.
- J J Indoor Stadium Playground St, Kilpauk Garden Colony, Kilpauk, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600102
- Amma Arangam, 11th St, Kumaran Nagar, A Block, Annanagar East, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600030
If you can volunteer your time (undertaking all necessary safety precautions), you may also register with the Chennai Corporation at – http://www.chennaicorporation.gov.in/relief_2016
Safa India
Safa India is putting together provision packages for daily wage workers, single mothers and the elderly. The packages will contain essentials such as atta, rice, dal,oil, sugar, salt and tea. Volunteers from Safa will distribute the packages.
Contributions can be made online: https://pages.razorpay.com/Covid19Relief
No Food Waste
Non-profit organisation No Food Waste working to combat hunger in the city is accepting donations that will be used to serve the homeless population of Chennai during the lockdown.
Contributions can be made to the following account:
Name: No Food Waste
A/C No: 10022800699
Bank: IDFC Bank
Branch: RS Puram, Coimbatore
IFSC: IDFB0080531
Bhoomika Trust
Bhoomika trust has launched a helpline for senior citizens and immuno-compromised individuals in Chennai. Volunteers who man the helpline will provide necessary guidance and doorstep assistance where necessary.
The helpline can be reached at: 044-46314726
Volunteers to man the helpline and engage in the field in assisting those in need can sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/
Donations can be made to Bhoomika Trust in their effort to provide assistance to shelter homes and other organisations working to secure the daily needs of the vulnerable population during lockdown.
Donations can be made at:
http://www.bhoomikatrust.org/donate-for-covid
Zone 13 fundraiser
Residents of Zone 13 Chennai have started a fundraiser to contribute to the conservancy workers who have been working tirelessly even during the lockdown. The cash will directly reach the bank accounts of the conservancy workers.
Donations can be made here: https://milaap.org/fundraisers/support-conservancy-workers
IRCDUC & USWT
You can contribute adequate raw materials for providing cooked meals to the urban homeless. Ingredients will be used to provide cooked food to the families residing on the pavements and transit shelters.
For more details, contact the numbers below:
Sumanasa Foundation
The community kitchens run by the Greater Chennai Corporation cater to the needs of the homeless and urban poor and those in need of a meal during the lockdown. Contributions to buy raw materials that are being organised for the community kitchens can be made to the Sumanasa Foundation. Details can be found below:
