Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: March 26, 2020 | 
| 中文
JDC Foundation distirbuting food to communies in Karachi
The coronavirus or ‘COVID-19’ has impacted the world on an unprecedented scale. From the global and local economy, to the health care systems, even the best-equipped countries are fighting to mitigate the effects of the disease. A third of the world's population has been forced to self-isolate and distance itself from others, in order to survive this contagious virus’ spread.
With over 1000 cases reported in our country as of today, the virus has taken its toll on Pakistanis physically, mentally, and emotionally. The only difference is, some are more privileged and financially secure than others to cope with it.
Due to the partial lockdown, Pakistan has come to a stark realization: the underprivileged section of our society not only faces the threat of the virus but is also a health and hunger emergency situation as businesses have closed and shops are open for limited times.
While both the federal and local governments are trying to provide the tools to fight the virus and distribute rations to fight hunger, it will take time for these relief packages to be developed and dispersed. In the mean time, Youlin has compiled a list of some citizen-led, non-political organizations and individuals that are working to provide hygiene products and rations quickly and effectively to these sensitive areas.
What they do: Provide rations and hygiene products to families in need.
Where they do it: In Layyah, south-west Punjab and its surrounding areas.
Hurdles they face: Limited resources with too many people in need for help.
How can you help: By providing rations directly, which will be distributed among the underprivileged, or offer monetary assistance to the Future Pakistan Team to do so on your behalf.
Founder of the organization Wardah Noor, said that at this hour, there's a need for everyone to rally and help those around them. "Start with your house help, ensure that they have the rations required. Also, donate to organizations that are distributing provisions to the less fortunate.”
Donate:
Bank transfer
Bank Name: Allied Bank
Account Title: Wardah Noor
Account No: 13040010061253180013
Jazzcash account number: 03077794180
Easypaisa account: 03077794180
Note from the organization: Please message your name and the amount you donated at 03077794180 to help us keep track of the money we are receiving.
What they do: Provide hygiene products and ration packages to people in underprivileged areas, hospitals, group homes like Edhi Old-Age Home and Darul Sukoon.
Where they do it: Karachi, Pakistan
Hurdles they face: Procurement of hand sanitizers and other hygiene products has become difficult, due to inflating prices and panic buying. To work around this, the team created their own sanitizers with simple components, through a recipe approved by the World Health Organisation.
How can you help: Provide monetary assistance to the team or hygiene products if available. Join them while they visit different areas of Karachi for distribution, as long as you take proper precautions.
KCCC organizer Aryan Tauqeer distributing hand sanitizers (photo credits to KCCC)
When asked about what a post-coronavirus Pakistan would look like, Ariyan Tauqeer, the founder of KarachiCCC said: "A post-coronavirus Pakistan will be decidedly more aware and empathetic, and will likely see healthcare a higher priority than it does now…It is also likely that the ties that bind the community together will become stronger, uniting the population when faced by the danger of the virus.”
Donate:
For donations visit:
https://coronaviruscontrolcampaign.weebly.com/contact.html
Note: KarachiCCC will provide you with pictures of receipts of products bought through your donations.
What they do: Provide hygiene products to underprivileged neighborhoods.
Where they do it: Lahore and Sialkot, Punjab
Hurdles they face: Lack of authentic products.
How can you help: Azaad Pakistan takes donations. They also have a Facebook group you can join to help their mobilization efforts, and point out neighborhoods in need of hygiene packages.
Donate:
Account name: Ghalib Sheikh
Branch no: 00880010035863170010
Bank: Allied Bank
Branch name: Kashmir Road, Sialkot
Branch Code: PK0010088
IBAN: PK42ABPA0010035863170010
Bank name: Finca (Simsim)
Account: 03216111557
Easy Paisa/Mobicash Account: 03216111557
Paypal: saadsarfrazsheikh@gmail.com
Western Union:
Name: Ghalib Sheikh
Cell no: 03216111557
City: Sialkot
CNIC: 34603-7603524-5
Address: 2/97 Abbot Road, Sialkot
a. JDC Foundation
The organisation provides food and rations to underprivileged areas of Sindh. They are in need of donations.
Visit their facebook page for details:
https://www.facebook.com/JDC.organization/
b. Faizan. (@merabichrayaar) on Twitter
This young man from Islamabad has been using his large Twitter following to help reliable people and groups procure rations. Using the hashtag '#TheRationChallenge' Faizan posts a minimum amount of money required to help a certain group of people. Once the goal is met, he posts the next challenge.
Link to challenge thread:
https://twitter.com/merabichrayaar/status/1242104986307301376
Faizan's efforts show that there are a million unconventional ways for one to help others, only if we try. Take a look at his Twitter for details.
c. Sohail Tanveer (sohailmalik614) on Twitter
This former Pakistan Cricket Team player has taken it upon himself to work for families in need, in Rawalpindi and surrounding areas. Taking to Twitter, Tanveer said:
"We are distributing one month's ration to families in need. If you know anyone in need around you in Rawalpindi, or if someone wants to contribute, please message or call on 03335514374. We will provide them rations on their doorstep secretly. #StayAtHomeSaveLives"
Sohail Tanveer's Ration Packages (photo credits to Sohail Tanveer)
Link to Tweet:
https://twitter.com/sohailmalik614/status/1242756858307371013
There are many other such organizations working towards raising awareness and ensuring that all members of society are prepared to fight this devastating virus. COVID-19 has not just severely affected developing countries like Pakistan but also has overwhelmed developed countries like the USA and Italy. Just as it is important to keep you and your family safe, please do check on your neighbors and wider community, and donate to those who are in need in his unfortunate and difficult time.
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