The pandemic has hit us hard and we’re all struggling to make our ways through it but the underprivileged in our society are the worst-hit section with bare minimum to no resources whatsoever. So to help these desolate souls on the streets, who are just trying to return home or are struggling to gain a foothold in this situation, Support Group LKO Covid-19 has been undertaking all the necessary efforts to make it easier for them.
“Helping the ones who’ve helped us”
“We are a group of 190+, comprising of individuals and a few leading organizations- mainly INGOs, NGOs,volunteers, media personnel, unions, advocates and student bodies. The folks in this group delved in action to help the ‘city makers’, the ones who have been deprived even of the basic necessities during the Covid-19 pandemic. This support group is an initiative driven by one simple mandate of ‘war against hunger’ that began from the 25th of March, after the first lockdown was announced.”
The team further added, “A city always needs labourers, street vendors, scrap dealers, domestic workers, rickshaw pullers, auto drivers, delivery boys and others, who happen to be there for us round-the-clock. But they never become a part of the city no matter how much they belong there because many simply don’t accept them as equally human. Often they’re treated as the ‘invisibles’. So as responsible residents, we believe that it is our time to serve them, especially when this raging crisis has gained quite a magnitude.”
“We initially began our journey by setting up 16 collection centers and we had an army of more than 500 volunteers in Lucknow. With the help of our networks, we also expanded to Allahabad to help the workers stuck amidst this ongoing ‘war’. At the same time, our fundraising team started seeking donations in cash or kind and till now, we have surely received overwhelming responses in Lucknow. A huge chunk of Lucknowites have come forward to help those in distress through all means- some have contributed dry ration, vegetables, sanitary pads, soaps and even homemade masks. The surging levels of compassion showcased by the citizens has also kept us going!”
“Keeping up with the lockdown extensions, we began working for the migrants on road by arranging vehicles, refreshments, slippers and medicines for them. We completed the 54th day of the lockdown on the 17th of May and so far, our initiative has reached out to 24,438 families, 3,66,480 individuals and 12,398 migrants workers. We have also been arranging for freshly cooked meals through community kitchens and other urgent essentials regularly.”
Addressing the problems of dubious forwards and data circulations during this pandemic, they stated, “Meanwhile to check the spread of false news around, we started working on myth-busting as well so that there is a circulation of only credible information. With the help of independent fact checkers and our volunteers, we’re actively taking initiatives to promulgate correct facts and figures.”
A message to all our readers
Support Group LKO Covid-19 is looking for people who can support them through donations in cash or kind, as we’ve all entered the 4th phase of the lockdown. They’ve been trying to reach out to as many people on the streets as possible but of course, their resources are limited. They’re also inviting independent support groups for collaborations because there are umpteen number of people who’re still stranded without any resources and it’s a herculean task to track them all.
So if you wish to volunteer or donate, you can check out their Instagram profile for more information regarding the same or simply just drop them a message on Facebook.
