Media Release

Beltangady, Apr 25: Capuchin Krishik Seva Kendra, Vimukti run by the Capuchin Fathers and supported by ChildFund India, a donor agency had organized COVID-19 response at Laila in Beltangady. They had initiated intervention on the lives of affected families due to the lock down since the beginning of April.

So far they have covered 600 devastated families like migrant workers, beedi rollers, coolie workers, construction workers, and families with differently abled children. The families were given various kits like food basket, hygiene and family based activity kits. In the coming days they would be distributing education kits to the children to provide some sort of supplementary learning to the children who are completely cut off from their studies. They have also educated and trained people on how to conduct themselves while strictly following social distancing and also taking certain precautions in maintaining ones immunity.

They have targeted a mission to complete another 500 families in the coming days, the list seemed to be swelling up day by day due to the continuation of lock down but the expenses are huge, each food basket costs Rs 700 to 1,300. Each family with one food basket can sustain within their homes for a week and hygiene kits are meant especially to take preventive measures against the coronavirus.

The organization and its staff were able to convince its supporting agencies like ChildFund India, Action Aid and some good hearted donors for the funds. But this alone would be insufficient and they require more funds as the lock down is extended further and some areas have been declared as buffer zones and completely sealed down.

The organization has been getting many calls from every nook and corners of Beltangady taluka for the food basket. Those areas where they are not able to reach out, they have contacted some kind-hearted people who have come forward to support them.

While the organization is grateful to the generous donors wholeheartedly for their selfless sacrifice they have requested others to join them in their struggle against COVID-19.

One can contact the organization through phone (Fr Vinod Mascarenhas, director 8197679453, 9008623698, Fr Rohan Lobo, assistant director 9008623698. Website: capuchinksk.org)