Volunteering for COVID Relief: A Journey of Dedication and Support

During the height of the pandemic, the number of cases was surging in thousands each day. This is when we initiated our efforts to provide relief to those affected by the virus. My involvement in this relief work was not new; prior to participating in this campaign, I had already been assisting people for several years, working with local NGOs to support those in need.

Collaboration with Local NGOs

For many years, I had been working with 2-3 NGOs, such as Building Dreams Foundation, Udgam Ek Naya Savera, Doon Blood Group Association, and Mahya Group. However, as the pandemic pushed the number of cases into the hundreds of thousands, it became evident that the support we were providing was not enough. Therefore, in mid-April, I decided to collaborate with other NGOs like Mahya Group, Building Dreams Foundation, and Doon Club to intensify our efforts.

Structured Volunteer Efforts

To maximize the impact of our relief efforts, we organized a volunteer system. Each task had a dedicated volunteer or team, comprising 2-3 individuals. For instance, three volunteers were assigned to handle medicine distribution, three to manage hospital availability, three for lead verification, three to ensure food distribution, and three to oversee database management. This division of labor allowed us to systematize our operations and ensure seamless support to those in need.

Empowering the Community

Our approach was rooted in the principles of empathy and dignity. Last year, when we conducted a food distribution in Premnagar Basti, we made a conscious effort to assist the community without taking advantage of them or making them feel embarrassed. Without the proper documentation, it was crucial to have an organized system in place, such as an excel sheet or similar alternative to avoid confusion.

Expanding Our Reach

As the physical work was demanding and time-consuming, we leveraged technology to amplify our reach. We created multiple WhatsApp groups to coordinate our efforts. Team members exceeded 250 people in each group. While I was not a core member, I was part of a team that worked tirelessly, often around the clock, to support those affected by the pandemic.

Handling Emergency Leads

From verifying patient leads to tracking stock of necessary supplies like medicines, oxygen concentrators, and injections, my role was multifaceted. I would also provide emotional support to families of COVID-affected individuals by speaking with them daily. At the end of each day, we collated and reviewed the leads that needed attention. While we were successful in many cases, unfortunately, this was not always the case. Nevertheless, we did our best with the support of God.

Conclusion

This is what we accomplished in the last 2-3 months. Our journey was a testament to the power of community support and the importance of organized efforts to combat a global crisis. Our dedication and hard work have made a difference in the lives of many. While we had our challenges, our unwavering commitment to assistance and support remains as strong today as it was during the pandemic.