CRISIS RESPONSE
Any crisis or calamity is a call-to-action for Rakshak Foundation. The foundation pulls all possible resources and people together to respond to natural disasters or disease, using collborations / associations with authorities to bring relief to the victims or aggrieved.
GHAR KA KHANA- COVID RELIEF INITIATIVE
home cooked meals for patients and family
The Ghar ka Khana initiative was initiated by Rakshak Foundation to home deliver home-style meals for emergency COVID patients and their family members, as a response to the climaxing second wave of the pandemic.
The patients and their families suffered during the second wave of the pandemic, as domestic helpers could not continue their services due to the fear of contagion.
The foundation provided 1000 meals everyday, to COVID patients and their families, in the South Kolkata region. This initiative was highly appreciated by the beneficiaries and their families.
OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR DONATION
emergency covid relief initiative
The foundation procured an Oxygen Concentrator in view of the shortage of medical oxygen for critically-ill COVID patients. It was donated to Belur Ramakrishna Math infirmary for use in their infirmary during this COVID crisis.
His Excellency, Zha Liyou, Hon’ble Consul General of the People’s Republic of China to Kolkata generously donated an oxygen concentrator to Rakshak Foundation. The same was lent out to critical COVID patients, whose families approached the foundation for help during the peak of the second wave, when the whole country was facing a huge crisis of oxygen for treating patients.
YAAS CYCLONE RELIEF
at kultali, sunderbans
Rakshak Foundation supported the relief measures alongside the Panchayat and Local Councilor in West Bengal to provide food, essential items and protection gears to 1000 people in Kultali, Sundarbans during the YAAS Cyclone devastation.
Kits of Baby food, Biscuits, Instant Noodles, Chocolates and Dry Food (which do not need cooking) have been distributed to the victims of the Yaas Cyclone devastation. Each kit carried ration enough for a family
of 4 for 15 days, thus, providing a total of 60000 meals.
Additionally, 1000 COVID KITS for family of were also provided. Thus, providing protection to 4000 people.
Each kit was packaged into Jute bags with eco-conservation messages to promote the usage of jute bags at the grassroots level
COVID RATION DISTRIBUTION- FIRST WAVE
food aid for daily wagers, sex workers & destitute
Rakshak Foundation took jute apparels and accessories to the ramp alongside creations of top designers from the city. This changed the popular perspective of people towards jute, which was hitherto seen as a base material and also encouraged a change in outlook of people about the prison inmates artisans.
The apparels and accessories created under the 'Jute Story Beyond Bars' label have been showcased in the ICC Textiles and Apparel Fashion Show, AFT Fashion Tour and fashion shows at the prestigious Ordinance Club and Calcutta Rowing Club.
AMPHAN SUPER CYCLONE RELIEF
food aid for daily wagers, sex workers & destitute
The foundation has undertaken mass distribution drives at events with huge foot fall like Gangasagar Pilgrimage, in association with the District Magistrate's ofiice, South 24 parganas, Government of West Bengal, Mayor's Drive against single-use plastic, Kolkata Children's Film Festival, Rotary District 3291 events, Nabadisha annual sports day, in association with Kolkata Police and apart from other prestigious events.
The objective behind free distribution drives is to let large number of people experience usage of jute bags and grow awareness about the hazards of using single-use plastic.
COVID SECOND WAVE RATION DISTRIBUTION
food aid to transgender community
& donation to artist-in-distress
Responding to a desperate call for aid from the transgender community, Rakshak Foundation, in association with Community Policing, Kolkata Police, donated 500 ration kits to the transgender community during the peak of the second wave of pandemic. They had lost all job opportunities due to the lockdown and their distress was further multiplied due to marginalization by the mainstream society. The distribution was done in presence of the Deputy Commissioner of Community Police, IPS, Sri Tanmay Biswas and
The foundation also made a monetary donation to artist-in-distress, Bhagwan Mali, who is a gifted violinist. He was unable to get any assignments and he was forced to live on the footpaths with his family as he could not support his family.
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
Limited Edition Bags launched in Dubai
Limited Edition Jute Bags, were made with the reclaimed jute from the Guinness Record Holding Bag, with the message 'Greener, Healthier, Inclusive World'.
The bags were launched in Dubai in February 2021 by His Excellency Suhail Muhammad Al Zarooni, at the Jumeirah Palace.
Chaitali Das, Managing Trustee of Rakshak Foundation was conferred the title of 'International Green Ambassador' on the occasion.
OBSERVING ENVIRONMENT DAYS
awareness on eco-conservation
Every year, the foundation observes important days earmarked by the UN, such as, Environment Day, Earth Day to promote environment awareness and prevent use of single-use plastic or biohazardous materials. These programs are often done in association with US Consulate and other prestigious organizations.
The foundation involves underprivileged youth from its New Horizon Holistic Development Centre for such events, in order to orient them towards responsible eco-friendly action and intervention. Distribution of eco-friendly jute bags, planting saplings, circulating messages for eco-conservation , walks with eco-awareness placards and such activities are undertaken at these events.
