Charity offers a lifeline to thousands in crisis-stricken communities
THOUSANDS of people whose lives are at risk during the Covid-19 crisis in India have been helped by a Leicestershire charity.
The Randal Charitable Foundation donated £500,000 to the Covid-19 Emergency Appeal launched by the British Asian Trust.
It has helped to provide life-saving packages containing food and hygiene items to vulnerable and marginalised communities in India.
When the pandemic unfolded in South Asia, millions of workers who rely on small, daily incomes were faced with losing their livelihoods almost overnight.
Many left the cities to return to their home villages.
Dr Nik Kotecha, who created the foundation, said: “We wanted to address the challenges in India as the early stages of the pandemic unfolded, with millions suddenly without jobs, security or any source of income.
“It is fantastic to have worked with the British Asian Trust and through amazing organisations on the ground, whose knowledge and experience ensures maximum impact in a crisis situation.”
With the help of the foundation’s donation, the British Asian Trust, founded by the Prince of Wales, was able to work with two local groups, Jan Sahas, an organisation for migrant workers, and Goonj, a disaster relief group.
Together, they delivered aid packages to the more remote areas across 15 states of India.
More than 130,000 people were supported by the kits between June and November.
Richard Hawkes, chief executive of the British Asian Trust, said: “This is a good news story in the midst of this devastating virus.”
He praised foundation trustees, Dr Kotecha and Moni Kotecha, for their generosity and dedication.
He said: This is a fantastic example of focused action by members of the British Asian community to support those most immediately in need.
“We are hugely grateful for the impact it has enabled.”
The Randal Charitable Foundation, based in Leicestershire, is committed to supporting and saving the lives of the most vulnerable people in the UK and internationally.