Bengaluru for Chennai: Funds in excess of 10 lakh raised by two Facebook groups

In the aftermath of the devastating December floods, funds raised by FB groups 'Drive Without Borders' and 'Wake Up Bengaluru' help in carrying out substantial relief work across Chennai city.

Since the time Chennai has been ravaged by the floods in early-December, we have been hearing stories of how Bengaluru has pulled through for the people of Chennai. This is one such story.

Over 10 lakhs raised

Members of the Facebook groups Drive Without Borders and Wake Up Bengaluru came together to raise funds to support the relief work in Chennai. In less than 10 days, funds in excess of 10 lakhs were generated by members of the two groups.

We delivered the relief material in two phases. In the first phase, volunteers from the groups visited a few places in and around Porur and Manapakkam, which were among the most severely affected, and distributed the relief material with our own hands. This took place on December 6th. We went in waist-deep waters in a SUV and delivered milk and water to 600+ houses in the Noombal area. While we were doing so, a local councillor came with his goons and snatched a considerable amount of material by threatening us.

The following material was delivered during the first phase on December 6th:

  • 18,000 litres of bottled water
  • 5,000 litres of milk (tetra packs)
  • Bread and biscuits
  • Clothes, blankets and mats

During the second phase of relief work on December 13th, volunteers distributed material to over 550 + families in a church, a labour camp and also donated material to seven orphanages. The materials included:

  • 5,000 units of Clotrimazle antifungal dusting powder
  • 5,000 units of Silver Sulphadiazine cream
  • 5,000 packets of Sanitary pads
  • 5,000 units of mosquito repellent cream
  • 5,000 packs of mosquito repellent coils

I have realised that differences exists only in our minds and the same is planted by few people/parties with vested interests. One calamity and we all came together regardless of our religion/caste/creed. Many went out of their way to help people whom they did not know.

In pictures: Bengaluru for Chennai

The truck with the relief material. Pic: Waseem Memon

Volunteers unpack relief material for distribution. Pic: Waseem Memon

Chennai residents waiting to pick up water bottles. Pic: Waseem Memon

Mosquito repellent being handed. Pic: Waseem Memon

Distributing sanitary napkins to the women. Pic: Waseem Memon

Many NGOs and informal groups are still working to help the flood-affected in Chennai, Cuddalore and other areas, get back on their feet. To know more about how you can pitch in from here, read: How Bengaluru is helping Chennai.

Volunteers unpack relief material for distribution. Pic: Waseem Memon - See more at: http://bangalore.citizenmatters.in/articles/bengaluru-for-chennai-relief-work-by-two-facebook-groups#sthash.MNT3iaDy.dpuf Read more at: http://bangalore.citizenmatters.in/articles/bengaluru-for-chennai-relief-work-by-two-facebook-groups?utm_source=copy

Volunteers unpack relief material for distribution. Pic: Waseem Memon – See more at: http://bangalore.citizenmatters.in/articles/bengaluru-for-chennai-relief-work-by-two-facebook-groups#sthash.MNT3iaDy.dpuf
Read more at: http://bangalore.citizenmatters.in/articles/bengaluru-for-chennai-relief-work-by-two-facebook-groups?utm_source=copy

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Similar Story

Unplanned growth, flawed notification endanger Delhi wetlands

Increased public involvement and lessons from successful restoration attempts can help revive the crucial wetlands under threat in the city.

Have you been to the Surajpur wetland, near Surajpur village in Gautam Budh Nagar district? Located in the midst of an expansive industrial city under the administrative purview of the Greater Noida Development Authority, it reveals itself as a mosaic of a sprawling lake, towering trees and thousands of birds, many flying in from distant lands. As you enter the wetland, the guards tell you not to go beyond the second viewpoint. It is untamed territory, the domain of many wild animals, they warn.  However, all has not been well in this sanctuary of nature. In January 2024, the Uttar…

Similar Story

Lake Health Index reveals pollution concerns in Bengaluru’s water bodies

The citizen-driven Lake Health Index project assessed the condition of three lakes in the city: Ulsoor, Doddabommasandra and Shivapura.

Bengaluru grapples with a persistent water stress, worsened by the decline in rainfall, overexploitation of groundwater and decreasing Cauvery River levels. The water crisis has led experts and the government to reconsider using lakes as a source of water, either by storing treated wastewater or harvested rainwater. The draining of lakes, like Bellandur and Varthur, for desilting has contributed to a major part of the groundwater crisis in Bengaluru. However, with the upcoming monsoon predicted to be normal, there is a looming concern regarding the lakes in the city. The anticipated rains may bring one of the highest influxes of…