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Support Women and their families in North Chennai amidst COVID-19 Crisis
We often take for granted the simple things in life, and we recognize that not everyone has access to funds and a secure life amidst a crisis. Yet it is indeed key that we emerge victorious from this, and the only way to do that is to work together, help each other and help those in need.
After much thought and deliberation, we have chosen to support families in need in the North Chennai area, which also at the moment has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the city. These families work hard to earn their wages and during a time like this have very few avenues to pursue to raise income to sustain their families. For each family the situation and needs are different, we have built this campaign to facilitate funds that will go directly to these families as Cash.
We leave it to them to decide how they use these funds - Food supplies, Rent, School fees, Clothes, Medical bills or any other expense that is priority amidst this crisis. We cannot imagine their predicament and hence have identified 40 families who will be given Rs.5000 each which will aid in their sustenance until we emerge from this lockdown phase.
We often take for granted the simple things in life, and we recognize that not everyone has access to funds and a secure life amidst a crisis. Yet it is indeed key that we emerge victorious from this, and the only way to do that is to work together, help each other and help those in need.
After much thought and deliberation, we have chosen to support families in need in the North Chennai area, which also at the moment has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the city. These families work hard to earn their wages and during a time like this have very few avenues to pursue to raise income to sustain their families. For each family the situation and needs are different, we have built this campaign to facilitate funds that will go directly to these families as Cash.
We leave it to them to decide how they use these funds - Food supplies, Rent, School fees, Clothes, Medical bills or any other expense that is priority amidst this crisis. We cannot imagine their predicament and hence have identified 40 families who will be given Rs.5000 each which will aid in their sustenance until we emerge from this lockdown phase.
Why should we help them?
These are mostly families who lean on their daily jobs like selling flowers, vegetables, and dry fish to generate income. This current COVID-19 crisis has hurt them badly and they are not able to earn more than a few hundred rupees. We feel it is a priority to support these families so they may remain indoors and keep themselves and their families safe.
Who is the partner organization for this Fundraiser?
This fundraiser will be led by Sibling violinists Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi and Lalgudi GJR Krishnan, who will be donating the funds to -
Arunodhaya Centre for Street and Working Children, a child rights organization started in 1992. The organization works towards the elimination of child labor and the promotion of child rights through a process of community empowerment and participation. The interventions are carried out in 75 slums in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts reaching out to more than 75,000 families.
Community-based organizations(CBO) are formed to protect child rights. The capacity of the CBOs are developed through various training programs and interventions
- Women groups
- Youth forum
- Community child rights monitoring committees
Who will be the beneficiaries of the funds?
40 families in the North Chennai Area will receive funding.
Each family will be given a sum of Rs. 5000.
How will the funds be used?
Since we are experiencing unprecedented circumstances, we feel it is best to give each family Rs. 5000 in cash so they may choose to use it for any immediate and urgent expenses such as - Rent, Medical bills, Food supplies, school fees, etc. We wish to give them control over how they choose to spend the funds.
Here are some of the stories of the women and children in North Chennai whom the campaign will be supporting -
S.Yasodha (62) is living in Thiruvotriyur with her granddaughter. Her granddaughter Yamini is studying in the 10th std. Yasodha has faced a lot of tragedy in her life, yet she came forward to bring up her 3 granddaughters with her earnings.
Yamini's mother and father committed suicide when she was 2 years old. After that Yasodha took care of them by selling dry fish. Yamini’s two elder sisters were sent to their uncle’s house as Yasodha couldn’t take care of three children. Yasodha's husband was a laborer and he was also supporting the family. Last year he passed away due to an illness.
Since then Yasodha was finding it difficult to sell dry fish, roaming on the street seeking business, so she started to sell fruits near her house. Now she was earning Rs 100 to Rs. 200 per day. The lockdown has completely affected her family and she is devastated. Your donation will go a long way in supporting the family in times of deep distress and financial hardship.
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Rajeswari (11 yrs) was identified as a school drop out in the year 2018. On a home visit, we came to know that her father is an alcoholic and had deserted the family. Unfortunately, her mother was a severe tuberculosis patient and the family was living on the pavement. Rajeswari has a brother who is a school drop out and takes up some odd jobs to sustain the family. Rajeswari dropped out of school to assist her mother who is a flower vendor.
Arunodhaya counseled the mother Ms. Anbarasi, referred her for DOTS treatment and supported her financially to rent a house. Continuous counseling and support to the family changed the situation., Anbarasi’s health improved, Rajeswari is regular to school now she is studying in 6th std. Anabrasi earns Rs.100- Rs. 200 per day. COVID 19 lockdown has affected her business and threatens the livelihood of the family yet again. These funds will be a lifeline to support them through these tough times.
