Partnership Saves Over 137,000 Lives Impacted by COVID-19 in India
The British Asian Trust, the leading international charity founded by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, launched its COVID-19 Emergency Appeal in April 2020 in response to the unfolding crisis in South Asia.
In a region already home to 27% of the world’s poorest, with 750 million people surviving on less than $2.5 a day, tens of millions of poor and vulnerable families across the region faced life or death situations. Over 400 million daily workers in India saw their livelihoods vanish overnight. With no form of income and no savings, they and their families were facing a daily fight for survival. This unprecedented crisis led to mass migration with millions fleeing – most travelling on foot - to the relative safety of their home villages, from cities where jobs no longer existed.
In response, the Randal Charitable Foundation donated over £500,000 to the British Asian Trust’s Appeal with the commitment to support the most vulnerable and marginalised communities hit hard by the pandemic and the results of lockdown across India, through provision of emergency kits.
As a result, the Foundation, together with the British Asian Trust and local delivery partners Jan Sahas and Goonj, have been able to impact some of the most vulnerable individuals in remote villages and communities across 15 states. Together, we have saved over 137,000 lives by reaching more than 27,500 families with emergency kits containing essential food and hygiene rations between June and November 2020.
Richard Hawkes, Chief Executive of the British Asian Trust said: "This is a good news story in the midst of this devastating virus with its unprecedented long-term effects on individuals, families and economies. The generosity of the Randal Charitable Foundation and dedication of its Founding Trustees Dr Nik and Moni Kotecha, together with the skills of our partners on the ground, shows what can be achieved at pace and through collaboration. 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."
Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, Founder and Chair of Trustees of the Randal Charitable Foundation, said: "The Foundation was established with an unwavering vision to directly save lives for those in need in the UK and globally. Covid-19 has impacted the poorest and most disadvantaged in society the hardest, and we have been determined to support these groups throughout the pandemic by funding projects that directly save lives in the UK and internationally.
"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 our trusted partner the British Asian Trust and through amazing organisations on the ground, whose knowledge and experience ensures maximum impact in a crisis situation. We are delighted to have supported so many people."
With cases and deaths due to COVID-19 declining, India is looking at getting millions of people back to work. It is initiatives like this, alongside a long-term sustainable approach to development that can provide such vital and tailored support to those who need it most, to ensure they are able to get back on their feet.
