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Indian-American NGO raises $ 4.7 million for Covid relief; to ship 2,184 oxygen concentrators

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 4/29/2021 12:53:42 PM

Washington, Apr 28 An Indian-American non-profit body has raised nearly USD 4.7 million through social media towards Covid-19 relief efforts in India as the country battles a severe second wave of the pandemic. "This is a collective effort that can save lives, defeat hunger, assure distressed people, and help India in its decisive fight against Covid-19," Sewa International USA said. On Tuesday, Sewa collected a shipment of 2,184 oxygen concentrators to be sent to India. In less than 100 hours of launching the fund-raising campaign, more than 66,700 Indian-Americans came out to raise over USD 4.7 million for Covid- 19 relief efforts in India, it said. Over the last few years, Sewa International USA has emerged as the top Indian-American charity organisation in the US. "Right now, our top priority is to quickly acquire oxygen concentrators and ship them to India as it can save lives. We are also providing support to hospitals run by Sewa's partner organizations to extend their capacity to treat more coronavirusinfected patients," the organisation said. Sewa's volunteers are working on building a digital helpdesk to provide critical information such as ambulance service, hospital bed availability and blood and medicinal supplies to people, it added. "As the pandemic is causing economic hardships by forcing partial lockdowns, we are planning to distribute over 10,000 essential item kits to families and assist more than 1,000 orphanages and senior care centres," Sewa said. "Working closely with our partner organisations, we are also distributing food and medicines to the needy in multiple places," it added