Staying Safe and Healthy Is Of Utmost Importance
COVID-19 Crisis Response by Toronto-Calcutta Foundation (TCF)-Spent Over $175K (INR 10M)
During the critical COVID-19 crisis, India faced an overwhelming challenge, and the Toronto-Calcutta Foundation (TCF) received numerous requests for financial support. TCF aimed to ensure that assistance reached those in the greatest need while maintaining transparency and due diligence. After a thorough evaluation, TCF partnered with the following organizations to provide immediate relief:
Oxygen on Wheels
This initiative focused on creating a fleet of ambulances equipped with oxygen concentrators to serve Kolkata, Howrah, and surrounding areas. TCF funded a node in North Bengal, with Siliguri serving as the central hub. Led by Dr. Abhijit Chowdhury through his non-profit, the Liver Foundation, the COVID Care Network coordinated the ambulances and triage calls. The Department of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of West Bengal provided the ambulances. The project was launched, and photos displaying the TCF logo on banners were shared with TCF.- GlobalMedic
A registered Canadian charity with nearly 20 years of experience in humanitarian aid during disasters, GlobalMedic coordinated shipments of essential medical supplies, including pulse oximeters and oxygen concentrators, to Kolkata, West Bengal. At TCF’s request, they also organized the transportation of medical supplies valued at CAD 100,000 from New Delhi to Kolkata. - Heart Society of Calcutta
The Heart Society of Calcutta, renowned for its good reputation, constructed a new ward dedicated to COVID-19 patients. TCF provided funding for this infrastructure project, and the Heart Society expressed its sincere gratitude for the financial support. - ANTARA Hospital
ANTARA, a hospital dedicated to the care of mentally ill patients, saw a significant rise in COVID-19 cases. The hospital was treating both outpatient and inpatient cases, leading to increased costs for sanitation, defoggers, equipment, protective gear, and medications. TCF stepped in to help by funding these added expenses. - Change Initiatives
A grassroots NGO based in Kolkata, Change Initiatives supplied oxygen cylinders, pulse oximeters, thermometers, PPEs, masks, and sanitizers to densely populated communities in Kolkata and surrounding areas. In partnership with a hospital in Barabazar, Purulia, the initiative provided essential medical supplies to patients. TCF funded this vital work to support these communities. - Sundarbans Community Kitchen – Change Initiatives
In response to Cyclone Yaas, Change Initiatives operated a community kitchen to support affected individuals in the Sundarbans area. TCF provided additional funds to restore damaged properties in these regions. - Moitrisanjog
Moitrisanjog, an organization supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Cooch Behar, helped individuals who faced economic hardships due to the crisis. With TCF’s funding, the organization distributed food supplies to this community, who expressed deep gratitude. - Madhabpur Vivekananda Sarvik Seva Kendra (MVSSK)
MVSSK ran a community kitchen that provided meals to marginalized villagers in Sundarbans, South 24 Parganas, who were unable to work due to the lockdown and the aftermath of Cyclone Yaas. TCF funded the initiative, which ensured meals were provided for 25 days. - Ram Krishna Mission (RKM) Seva Pratishthan
RKM Seva Pratishthan, a Kolkata-based hospital, needed a portable echocardiogram to assist both COVID and non-COVID patients. TCF funded the purchase of this critical equipment, which is now in use at the hospital. - Canning SONDHI
In collaboration with SONDHI, TCF supported Canning Hospital, which required 3 BiPAP ventilators for its ICU. These ventilators, fully funded by TCF, have been essential in treating COVID patients. - Shri Shri Sarada Ramakrishna Ashram-Hotar (SSSRKA)
TCF had supported SSSRKA since 2019 in providing coaching classes to underprivileged students in Hotar and surrounding villages. During the second wave of COVID-19 and the aftermath of Cyclone Yaas, SSSRKA proposed distributing 3500 food packets containing non-perishable food items and masks. This initiative, which benefited 4,000 individuals, was funded by TCF, and the food distribution was successfully completed.
Through these efforts, TCF supported these organizations in alleviating suffering and providing essential resources to the most vulnerable population during these crises.
