Children at Bibibagan and Sukantanagar received Christmas gifts thanks to the Women’s Fellowship of the CNI Wesleyan Church.
Author: Karen Laister
Sanitation stations
CRS centres have been equipped with resources to minimize the risk of viral spread. Children and women from the community can make use of masks and hand sanitizer, while those attending classes are given temperature checks using a forehead thermometer.
Help for cyclone victims
Thank you again for your generous donations! The funds were used to purchase 400 tarpaulins and 400 sets of cooking utensils for families whose homes were destroyed or damaged during Cyclone Amphan.
Distribution was delayed due to continuing pandemic lockdowns but, by the last week of August, we were able to hand out these items at our project locations at Bibibagan, Brace Bridge and Hastings. The intention is to deliver to a total of 11 CRS projects and Cathedral parishes over the coming weeks.
Further food aid distributions
Sadly the coronavirus continues to spread In India, with more than 1 million cases now recorded. Unfortunately it is the communities already suffering from poverty and disadvantage that are most vulnerable in the present crisis.
The fundraising by supporters to our appeals for emergency food and medical supplies in response to the COVID-19 lockdown and Cyclone Amphan was remarkable. As a result, thousands of people received basic assistance in a time of great need.
Most recently supplies were distributed at two non-formal schools located at Bhowanipur Cemetery and Scott Lane that are run by the Cathedral Social Service, a sister organization of CRS. 150 families received food packages and medicated soap.
The help given to poor communities in Kolkata and surrounding rural areas has been facilitated by CRS working in close collaboration with the Diocese of Kolkata.
The Church has been able to utilize its wide network of parishes, projects and people to reach so many needy communities. We’re also very grateful for the commitment and leadership from Bishop Paritosh, who has personally joined in many of the distribution events.
Renovation at Pally Mangal underway
Last autumn we issued a fundraising appeal to extend the CRS centre at Pally Mangal. The tiny one-roomed building was a real squeeze for women attending empowerment and training classes.
CRS supporters Paul Stuttle and Jo Whitehead generously gave £2,400, which with recoverable gift aid, was enough to cover all the costs to build an extra floor.
Renovation commenced in March but had to stop when the coronavirus lockdown started. However, as of June, work resumed and good progress has been made on building a staircase and an upper floor.