Go East For India
Fundraising Appeal
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council launches Go East for India fundraising campaign.
Calling on local residents, businesses and council employees to walk, run, cycle and paddle the 4,812 miles from Craigavon to Chennai in India; the fundraising appeal aims to raise money for Oxfam to supply Covid-19 aid and assistance for the people of India.
With the South Asian country battling a devastating second wave of Covid-19, donations will help Oxfam distribute PPE and medical equipment to hospitals and health centres; provide food and cash to the most vulnerable; and remove the barriers to increasing vaccine production and ensure access for everyone.
How can I support this campaign?
You can take part in and help support the following events at South Lake Leisure Centre next week.
Tuesday 8 June 2021: Spin-a-thon
Starting on the hour from 11am to 5pm, 17 bikes will be available for instructor-led spin classes, lasting 45 minutes. £5 minimum donation per attendee.Wednesday 9 June 2021: Biathlon
Starting at 10am and setting off at half-hour intervals until 7.30pm, teams of five (at a maximum) will compete in a one mile race around the Lake and a one mile kayak on the Lake. Times will be recorded, with the fastest person and team winning watersports activity vouchers. £5 minimum donation per attendee.Friday 11 June 2021: ABC Council staff spin
With two bikes in South Lake Leisure Centre café area, staff will be spinning their way to help raise funds throughout the day. Why not donate and help spur them on!
what is happening in india?
India is in the grip of a second deadly wave of Covid-19. Since the beginning of April 2021, the country has recorded millions of new cases. Thousands of people have died.
On 1 May, the number of daily cases surpassed 400,000 for the first time, while as many as 4,000 people are now dying every day.
People are desperate for medical care and are struggling to pay for oxygen and medication.
The poorest migrant workers and others who are unable to work, travel, or afford food and healthcare are suffering the most.
A nurse in a Covid ward at the Common Wealth Games facility for coronavirus patients in New Delhi. Photo: Roanna Rahman/Oxfam India
A nurse in a Covid ward at the Common Wealth Games facility for coronavirus patients in New Delhi. Photo: Roanna Rahman/Oxfam India
More than Daily cases recorded for the first time in early May
As many as People are dying every day
The poorest are once again bearing the brunt of this humanitarian catastrophe. Many of them live in cramped, confined areas without sanitation and have to use shared toilets and taps. Others live in rural areas and have no access to health services. They cannot even afford to travel to the nearest hospital for help.
Tragically, many are dying in their homes.
You can help people in India survive Covid-19.
Oxfam staff help unload a box containing an oxygen concentrator that is being delivered to the city of Pune. Photo: Oxfam India
Oxfam staff help unload a box containing an oxygen concentrator that is being delivered to the city of Pune. Photo: Oxfam India
how oxfam is responding
We are working with the government to distribute Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to frontline health workers. Together with our supporters, we are working to help fund oxygen cylinders and other equipment for hospitals and health centres.
In addition, we are providing food, hygiene kits and handwashing facilities to the poorest and most vulnerable communities. We are also making direct cash transfers to the most vulnerable households so they can buy what they need.
We are engaging with governments and pharmaceutical companies to remove the barriers to increasing vaccine production and ensure access for everyone.
And are providing face masks, hand sanitiser and other protective equipment in parts of Maharashtra following a request from state health authorities.
We are distributing vital PPE to frontline health workers in the states of Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
“Our immediate priority is to supply hospitals and health workers with medical equipment and PPE so they can continue treating those who are sick. But to avoid a worse humanitarian disaster it is vital we stop the spread and so we are also preparing handwashing stations and awareness campaigns to help people stay safe."
-Amitabh Behar, CEO of Oxfam India
Oxfam India urgently needs to buy more oxygen tanks, beds, digital thermometers, and other medical equipment to help state hospitals where supplies are desperately low.
Your support is vital to help provide food and cash support as well as handwashing facilities in public spaces.
ICU of the world's largest makeshift Covid hospital in Delhi. Photo: Cheena Kapoor
ICU of the world's largest makeshift Covid hospital in Delhi. Photo: Cheena Kapoor
How can my business help?
Your business can get behind the initiative and support donations to the Oxfam India Covid-19 Appeal by organising your own fundraising events and activities.
Why not contact our Economic Development department on economicdevelopment@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk for some advice and ideas?
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