Fund for Anil - emergency support in India
Donation protected
2 years ago, I was lucky enough to go on a photography holiday to India. I met Anil in Varanasi. He ran a wood shop providing wood for the cremations, and lived a hand to mouth existence supporting his large family by himself.
I asked if I could follow him for the day and do my photography project on him, which he agreed to. He was delightful and gracious, and took me into places I would never have thought possible, such as the death house, and down to the cremation sites. He took me to see his house where he shares a bed with 2 nephews, I met his adorable niece, his mother gave me chapati. We kept in touch, and message occasionally.
Today he messaged me asking for help, which he has never done before. Last year his home and business was destroyed by the city in an attempt to make it more pleasant for tourists, as well as more sanitary. His business didn't survive, and he has been scraping together what he can.
During the coronavirus lockdown, he has no income at all, and food is hard to come by (can only be bought early in the morning) and is increasing in cost. He and his family are struggling to feed themselves.
We moan about having to stay at home and watch TV, but Anil is worried his family won't survive starvation. He asked me for a modest $100 to try and get them through the next 2 weeks. I think we can do a little better than that.
To anyone who has holidayed in India, who has enjoyed the sights, sounds and compete bonkers nature of India, please consider giving something back. In this case it's to a family who I know personally, and who enriched my experience there with generosity and smiles. I know we are all struggling financially, but even a couple of pounds will help them. Thank you.
I asked if I could follow him for the day and do my photography project on him, which he agreed to. He was delightful and gracious, and took me into places I would never have thought possible, such as the death house, and down to the cremation sites. He took me to see his house where he shares a bed with 2 nephews, I met his adorable niece, his mother gave me chapati. We kept in touch, and message occasionally.
Today he messaged me asking for help, which he has never done before. Last year his home and business was destroyed by the city in an attempt to make it more pleasant for tourists, as well as more sanitary. His business didn't survive, and he has been scraping together what he can.
During the coronavirus lockdown, he has no income at all, and food is hard to come by (can only be bought early in the morning) and is increasing in cost. He and his family are struggling to feed themselves.
We moan about having to stay at home and watch TV, but Anil is worried his family won't survive starvation. He asked me for a modest $100 to try and get them through the next 2 weeks. I think we can do a little better than that.
To anyone who has holidayed in India, who has enjoyed the sights, sounds and compete bonkers nature of India, please consider giving something back. In this case it's to a family who I know personally, and who enriched my experience there with generosity and smiles. I know we are all struggling financially, but even a couple of pounds will help them. Thank you.
Organiser
Alex Lacey
Organiser
England