Virtual group brings NGOs on a single platform to help needy

Ajay Joshi

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 17

The ongoing lockdown imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19 has affected a number of people, especially the poor. However, several NGOs in the city have been making all-out efforts to ensure that they get essential items at the earliest in this time of crisis.

Taking a step towards it, NGOs have formed a virtual group, ‘Jalandhar Crisis Fighters’, on WhatsApp and Facebook for better coordination among them to provide assistance to those affected by the lockdown.

Besides providing help to needy people, the group has launched a crowdfunding initiative to mitigate the economic crisis of the poor.

The group was formed by Puneet Khanna (34), who runs an NGO, ‘Haryawal Punjab’. He said the purpose of forming the group was to bring people working for the common cause on the single platform.

“With the help of good Samaritans, essential items, including dry ration, medical kits, sanitisers, masks and food, are easily made available to needy people. The NGOs working under the one roof coordinate among each other and cater to the needs of people in their areas. Instead of working individually, the NGOs now work collectively. As many as 160 people from various social service groups and religious committees are part of the virtual group,” said Khanna.

The NGOs associated with the group include ‘Helping Hands’, ‘Shani Seva Sewarth Trust’, ‘Ek Kadam Ek Koshish NGO’, ‘Sarbat Di Sewa Welfare Society’, and ‘Youth Blood Donor Organisation and Welfare Society’. Besides, people people working for treatment of stray animals are also associated with the group.

Talwinder Singh Rinku, president, ‘Tera-Tera Hati’, an NGO, said, “With the help of the group, we provide food and ration to people in many areas. Information is shared on the group and the NGO working in the area concerned comes forward for the aid. The group helps us reach the needy.”

Similarly, Advocate Davinder Pal Singh, who provides free legal aid, said, “The objective of forming the group is to extend a helping hand to needy people.”

‘Jalandhar Crisis Fighters’

• Several NGOs in the city have been making all-out efforts to ensure that the needy people get essential items at the earliest in this time of crisis.
• Taking a step towards it, NGOs have formed a virtual group, ‘Jalandhar Crisis Fighters’, on WhatsApp and Facebook for better coordination among them to provide assistance to those affected by the lockdown.