To Gurugrammers pedal serve denizens in need

As the battle against the second wave of Covid-19 continues, many are finding it difficult to step out to get medicines and other essentials. A group of cyclists in the Millennium City, known as Relief Riders, are overcoming the Covid scare to run errands for such denizens, even in the scorching heat.

“I used to ride regularly with my cycling group. During the lockdown, I realised how senior citizens were vulnerable and needed help. Being useful to those in need has been immensely satisfying,” says Vineet Chopra, who is leading the Gurugram chapter of the initiative. The group is operational from 8am to 8pm seven days a week, and prioritises requests from senior citizens and Covid-positive individuals. “We deliver medicines and essentials at their doorstep. They just need to call our helpline [8383940349],” adds Chopra.

Payall Gupta, a Gurugrammer who manages the group’s helpline, informs that they get 40 to 50 delivery requests, daily. “We do five to six deliveries in a day, but filter out calls that don’t fall within our purview, like oxygen, beds and concentrators. Callers have to pay only the price of the goods purchased for them,” she explains.

Ramona Keelor, a resident of Gurugram sector 22, recalls the help she received when she was down with Covid. She shares, “Vineet put me in touch with Isha, and she picked up tender coconuts for me every day. If I needed anything, say medicines or just a friendly voice, they were always there to help!”