Mountains

Community Initiatives During Covid-19

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Indus Canada Foundation (Indus) took several initiatives to support families and individuals in Calgary and beyond. Indus partnered in the Meals4You program, which provided hot meals to Covid-affected families for ten days, serving over 400 meals to more than 200 people through fundraising efforts. Additionally, Indus delivered groceries to 86 needy families in Sindh and served at least 30 families in Calgary by providing senior citizens and Covid-affected individuals with groceries at their doorsteps.

To maintain community connections during the pandemic, Indus established a virtual OTAQ (a North American friends' corner) where community members could meet virtually every two weeks to socialize and share experiences. Indus also hosted various social media events and shows to raise public awareness about Covid-19 and its impact. These included discussions on Covid-19 prevention, domestic abuse, and mental health issues arising from the pandemic. Indus's awareness campaigns provided valuable information to the community while promoting resilience and positivity during challenging times.

Indus's efforts during the pandemic demonstrated the organization's commitment to supporting the community in times of crisis. By providing essential resources, fostering virtual connections, and raising awareness about critical issues, Indus played a crucial role in helping the community navigate the uncertainties of Covid-19.

Indus also partnered with local organizations to extend its reach and effectiveness. The foundation participated in the Ramadhan Food Hampers Drive in Calgary in April 2021, providing food supplies to families in need during the holy month of Ramadhan. This initiative helped bring comfort to many Muslim families observing the religious tradition while facing the economic and social challenges brought on by the pandemic.

In addition, Indus organized a series of motivational sessions and virtual entertainment events to keep the community engaged and uplifted during the prolonged periods of social distancing and isolation. These events included motivational talks on success, peace, and mental health, as well as musical performances and cultural shows to offer relaxation and entertainment. Indus's diverse programming provided much-needed relief from the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic's ongoing effects.

Through these efforts, the Indus Canada Foundation demonstrated its adaptability and dedication to serving the community. By meeting immediate needs, creating virtual connections, and promoting a sense of hope, Indus helped many families and individuals navigate the challenging times brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, reinforcing its role as a vital support system for the community.

Some of the initiatives undertaken by Indus include:

  • Served at least 30 families in SW and NE Calgary by providing senior citizens and Covid affectees groceries at their doorsteps.

  • Established Meals4You initiative together with MD International and other volunteers that provided hot meals to Covid positives for ten days serving more than 400 meals to over 200 people through fundraising.

  • Provided groceries to 86 needy families in Sindh.

  • Initiated a virtual OTAQ (friends' corner in North America) where community friends meet virtually every two weeks to socialize.

  • Participated in Food Hampers Drive in Calgary in April 2021.

  • Hosted 25 online shows to raise public awareness about Covid-19 on various social media channels including Facebook and YouTube. The topic included Corona Awareness, Turing a challenge into an opportunity, social challenges during Covid time, financial & technology impacts, mental health issues, resilience strategies, depression, emotional stress, etc.

  • Hosted 12 motivational sessions and virtual entertainment events to keep people motivated and entertained during tough Covid times. These sessions included virtual cultural festivals, musical shows with South Asian singers from Canada, India and Pakistan, sessions on self care, peaceful living, respecting people, successes through optimistism, etc.