You can reach out to those affected
In a bid to provide much needed support to people and communities impacted by the escalating pandemic, the Rotary Club of Colombo has launched ‘Reachout’ – a platform for community response to assist those affected by COVID-19. The volunteer-driven programme aims to provide both emergency and secondary assistance to those in need.
With the COVID-19 pandemic showing no signs of abating, many are feeling the brunt of the global healthcare crisis. Restrictions on movement have prevented thousands from being able to leave their homes to make a living. Many small business owners, employees, and families have been affected and without safety nets to support hard-hit communities, there is a greater need for a co-ordinated relief effort.
Begun last month, Reachout has already successfully seen through 16 campaigns, raised over Rs. 3.3 million in just 17 days, and brought much-needed relief to over 1350 families.
Reachout connects donors to worthy causes, and aims to facilitate assistance in the form of financial aid for individuals and families, donations of essential supplies for the elderly and highrisk individuals, as well as counselling for people dealing with the various pressures brought on by the pandemic.
Operating via the ‘Charity Apple’ online platform –a 100% non-profit initiative by the Rotary Club of Colombo, ‘Reachout’ facilitates a secure mode of crowdfunding where donors can safely reach out to the most deserving.
“We all have something we can contribute, be it our time, supplies, expertise, or financial aid,” said Naqeeb Hussain, Project Chair for Reachout. “Reachout is driven by an urgent humanitarian need, and prioritises those affected not only by the actual virus, but also by the secondary social, health and economic impacts of the outbreak.”
To ensure the authenticity of each request, ‘Reachout’ taps into its network of partners with representatives across the country. Only once verified will a project be featured on the Charity Apple website and across its social media channels.
For further information follow Reachout on social media or www. facebook.com/groups/reachosl, visit Charity Apple www.charityapple.org to make a donation, or email Reachout on connect@reachosl.com.