The lockdown caused by COVID-19 Pandemic has mostly impacted the poor and the underprivileged. Many people who have lost their daily wages are currently struggling to survive. The Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA) has partnered with local Indian grassroots organizations and NGOs in providing essentials like food and face masks to these vulnerable communities. Ambedkarites of the grassroots organizations are risking their own health and working hard to provide food to the starving families.
AANA has established a Covid-19 relief committee which meets on a weekly basis to make decisions on collection and distribution of funds to these voluntary organizations. The allocation of funds is currently slated in four phases.
Phase I included distribution of Rs. 2,55,000/- (USD 3,500) to following organizations
1. Foundation for Education Empowerment & Liberation(FEEL), Pune, MS
2. Karvan E Mohabbat, Delhi
3. AANA Community Kitchen in Nagpur, distribution by Samata Sainik Dal (SSD) : 300 meal packets for 7 days
4. Dhyandip Bahuuddesiya Sikshan Prasarak Mandal, Nagpur, MS
5. SSD-Deeksha Bhoomi, Nagpur
6. National Network of Buddhist Youth (NNBY), Tiroda, Gondia, MS
7. Panchayat, Karur, Tamilnadu
8. Foundation of His Sacred Majesty, Kerala
Phase II:Included distribution of Rs. 3,40,000/- (USD 4,700) to the following Organizations
1. Mission Manuskey Via Adivasis, Dalits and Bahujans Mumbai, by Shahir Sambhaji Bhagat
2. Masks to BMC Safai Kamgar Employees, Mumbai,MS
3. SSD and Priyasarshi Samrat Ashok Bahuodeshiya Sanstha, Nagpur, MS
4. Mudita Multipurpose Society for Paradhi & local community, Amaravati, MS
5. Social Organization in Hyderabad, Telangana
7. Ajayan Babu, Director Abhayaloka Trust, Kerala
8. Haryana Swabhiman Society, Panipat, Haryana
With the Covid -19 situation worsening, AANA members anticipated a lockdown and swiftly sprung into action. A Covid-19 relief committee was established and a donation drive was initiated among the organization’s members. This donation appeal has so far received an overwhelming response, and more than USD 17,000/- have either been collected or pledged. AANA is cognizant of the fact that the amount collected so far may not last long, hence the donation drive will remain open so the organization can continue to help the needy in the most vulnerable times of their lives.
While selecting the partner voluntary organizations, AANA board ensures the authenticity of organizations, their commitment to the cause and the resources available with them to execute on the ground.
AANA board also has ensured that the funds are being diversified to organizations in various states like Bihar, UP, Delhi, Haryana,Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra. In addition to serving different geographical locations, AANA also ensures that the funds reach not just Bahujan but other minority organizations as well.
Pictures and project details are available https://www.aanausa.org/
Through this note, AANA appeals to everyone to donate generously. Please reach out to your colleagues, friends and neighbors to contribute to AANA COVID-19 Relief donation drive.
If your organization matches the contribution, please route your contribution through your organization.
We accept donations through Facebook, our website https://www.aanausa.org/donate
https://www.facebook.com/
If you have suggestions, questions or concerns, please reach out aanausa@gmail.com
Thank you and looking forward to your continuous support for this great cause.
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy!
