United For Change

A snapshot of our successful programs, personal learnings, and impact stories from the ground.

From The Director

Dear Readers,
When we sent you our first newsletter in January, we naively believed that the pandemic was behind us, with new projects beginning to enter the pipeline. However, the surge in cases hit the country viciously and United Way Chennai buckled up once again to assess, assist and curb the situation at hand. A special shout out to our Covid-19 partners, who have been generous with their support and immensely kind with their thoughts and actions.

The second wave has had an exceptionally agonizing impact on rural India. Headlining with the aim to combat the severity of this, UWC connected with the Tamil Nadu Government to augment their efforts in upgrading the healthcare facilities in the state.

So far, we have successfully raised funds for 800 oxygen concentrators, out of which 550 have been distributed in a ratio of 60:40 between Chennai and various southern districts of TN. The balance is expected to be dispatched by June 5. Simultaneously, we restarted the provision of financial support for street vendors with an aim to reach out to an additional 3000+ beneficiaries, along with the existing 1250+ beneficiaries from last year, who have lost their livelihoods due to the second wave. A special shout out to our Covid-19 partners, who have been generous with their funds and immensely kind with their thoughts and actions.

We are currently raising funds for two projects, both in need of immediate and crucial attention.
Scroll down to see how you can donate your funds and/or your time!

Quarantined Regards,
Meenakshi Ramesh

Footprints by UWC

Tackling Shortage of Oxygen Supply in Rural Tamil Nadu

Dipping oxygen levels and shortness of breath being the main symptom of Covid19 during the second wave, has brought forth an unprecedented shortage of oxygen cylinders in hospitals across the country. United Way Chennai partnered with Caterpillar India to help reduce the shortage by providing 100 oxygen cylinders to hospitals across Krishnagiri and Salem, in Tamil Nadu.

48 oxygen cylinders were distributed to the Government hospitals at Burgur, Pochampalli, Mathur and Uthangarai. 52 more Oxygen cylinders were distributed to the Covid Care Centers at Bagalur Sericulture Department, Burgur Engineering College and Salem Steel Plant.

UWC Donors Unite in Fight Against COVID19

In Frame: (From Left to Right) UWC Board Member Mr. Amarnath Reddy, UWC Executive Director Meenakshi Ramesh and GCC Commissioner Gangandeep Singh Bedi, IAS

In Frame: Distribution of Medical Essentials in Full Swing Across Rural Tamil Nadu

Citing the sharp rise in covid-19 cases, brands such as L&T, Royal Enfield, Wells Fargo and AGS Healthcare came together to provide Oxygen Concentrators to The Greater Chennai Corporation. Oxygen concentrators provide relief to patients suffering from a minor dip in their oxygen levels ranging from 88-92, in turn, eliminating the need for oxygen beds.

130 oxygen concentrators were handed over to The Greater Chennai Corporation, through which government hospitals at Kanchipuram, Sriperumbudur, Omanthoorar and Injambakkam received them. Further, 220 concentrators have been distributed in a ratio of 60:40 between Chennai and various southern districts of TN.

Additionally, on the Frontlines of Tamil Nadu, United Way Chennai provided Covid relief materials to Cuddalore GH, UPHCs at Cuddalore OT, Pudupalayam and Thirupapuliyur. A Covid relief kit holds essential value for medical staff who have been facing acute shortage of preventive materials while working with Covid patients on a daily basis. The kits
included N95 masks, sanitizers, PPE kits, pulse oximeters and thermal scanners.

Donate With UWC

Help Us Revive Tamil Nadu From Covid-19

Empowering Rural Healthcare Facilities of TN

United Way Chennai has been on the forefront of the Covid-19 crisis in TN and we need your support to keep the torch of hope during this crisis lit. Rural Tamil Nadu urgently requires medical supplies to provide immediate relief to its people, who are currently falling short of the most basic supplies.

Help Street Vendors Restart Their Lives

COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on our street vendors who depend on a daily business to feed their families. As the city recovers, United Way Chennai wants to provide financial relief to help them restart their lives. For the cost of a family meal, you could help a family in need.