By Elsa | Senior Manager Partnerships
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc across India with strict lockdown restrictions affecting millions of lives and livelihoods. People living in low-income and slum communities were particularly vulnerable with many unable to procure food and sustain basic needs.
OSCAR Foundation rapidly adapted to address the needs of the community. Our network of Young Leaders who are originally responsible for mobilizing children for our football and life skills sessions started surveying communities and preparing lists of families who needed food and hygiene supplies. Our staff and young leaders rapidly started a ration distribution drive across multiple locations. We were successful in distributing over 3000 kits across Mumbai and at Yadgir and Gulbarga districts in rural Karnataka. Wherever possible, we also distributed hygiene kits, water purifiers and toys, and art supplies to keep children engaged and indoors.
In 2021, the Delta variant propelled a devastating second wave in the country. This time, the OSCAR team was better prepared due to our experience with the first wave of the pandemic. We were able to distribute even more food and hygiene supplies across more locations. As of the date of publishing this report, we have distributed 8382 kits. This equates to over 100,000 kilograms of essential supplies. We have also distributed 5000 packets of sanitary pads to women in our communities. During the second wave, we were also able to distribute cooked food and blankets to homeless families.
We are proud to have supported families in need during the first and second waves of COVID-19. Being a Sports for Development NGO, it was difficult to adapt and service the needs of the community, especially in such an unprecedented situation. We would not have been able to do this without the support of our donors, partners, well-wishers, young leaders, and staff. We hope the road to recovery continues.
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By Lucinda Sowerbutts | Head of OSCAR International
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