The impact of EG on ECF

You may have seen Debbie Gibson, singer, long-time sponsor and spokesperson for CI campaigning to raise funds through ECF (Emergency Community Fund) – to help support families struggling due to loss of income resulted from Covid pandemic. The fund has also been used to provide additional support for families most impacted by the recent cyclone in Kolkata, India.

Neha's WG follow-up report has arrived this week in record 10wks turnaround! CI is currently only able to send $50 (total $60) per youth in India because it is difficult for the one parent who is allowed to shop to carry the food home.

As the field staffs are working hard to get the funds to the families as quickly as possible, I'm hoping that the support they receive from sponsors directly via EG (Extra Gift) has helped support more families and lasting longer via ECF combined with any savings made through closure of the CI centers.

Kolkata to Colombo in 3hr 10min by direct flight

A detailed list of purchased food and hygiene items by the family can always be expected from CI India. Almost all were non-perishables like rice, wheat flour, varieties of pulses – among them was a favorite of mine, Soya nuggets, rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins. Being geographically close to Sri Lanka, I believe our Soya meat curry may have found its origins in Kolkatan cuisines.

Whether or not Neha was aware of her new sponsor at the time of receiving this WG, the mother expressed her noble gesture of appreciation saying..
"We are able to buy groceries for two months with your support. That's a big help and we are grateful to you for it. We are doing well here for this help. Hope you too are fine with your family. Thanks to all of you, dear sponsor."

I think that both EG and ECF have certainly contributed to the survival of local economies and jobs in the grocery sector during the pandemic, but how it impacted the creation of alternative jobs for those families who lost their livelihoods remains yet to be seen.

Comments

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