Winnipeg relief agencies look to assist India in crisis

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This article was published 07/05/2021 (1662 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TWO Winnipeg-based international relief organizations have launched appeals to help people in India suffering from that nation’s COVID-19 emergency.

Canadian Lutheran World Relief will be working with its partners in India to provide emergency medical supplies and food, said David Turner, senior manager of communications and marketing.

“The details are still to be worked out, but we want to provide people with access to vaccines and other medical supplies,” he said.

Canadian Foodgrains Bank will be providing food, said Musu Taylor-Lewis, who directs resources and public engagement.

“The food needs are increasing,” she said. “In the midst of this medical crisis, we know that people already vulnerable to poverty and hunger are made even worse off.”

Taylor-Lewis hope Canadians will be generous.

“We know things are challenging in Canada right now, but we believe Canadians want to be part of a global response for India,” she said.

Both organizations are responding as part of the Humanitarian Coalition, a consortium of 12 leading Canadian relief groups that work together to raise funds for humanitarian needs in the developing world.

One person who knows firsthand about the current needs in India is Shaji Kangapadan, a project manager at CLWR.

Kangapadan, who is responsible for organizing that organization’s response to the needs in India, said his mother and brother in India are safe and healthy. But two of his friends have died of COVID-19, and he hears about many others falling ill and dying.

“Every second post on my Facebook feed is about someone dying,” he said.

Unlike other past disasters in India, this one is affecting the whole country and all levels of society, Kangapadan said.

“All the preparedness and knowledge for how to respond to a disaster has gone out the window with the virus.”

What feels good is being able to do something to help.

“I’m glad to be involved,” he said. “It’s good to be part of this relief effort. I hope many Canadians step up to respond, not just for India, but for the safety of us all.”

Those who want to donate to CLWR to help people in India can do so at www.clwr.org. To donate to the Foodgrains Bank, go to www.foodgrainsbank.ca.

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