The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has raised Rs 20.44 crore to support the Wayanad disaster victims. These funds were collected as part of the organization’s “Rebuild Wayanad” campaign.
“We have made an announcement that we will collect funds to build 25 houses for those who have lost their homes,” said DYFI State Secretary VK Sanoj. “We didn’t want to just collect money but get it by doing various activities. We have received amazing support from the community when we reach out for activities such as collecting scraps, old newspapers, and selling them. Our volunteers have been involved in tea trading, climbing coconut trees, and using their daily wages to raise money,” he added.
Sanoj added that the total number could increase as the volunteers continue their efforts.
In this campaign, there was a great contribution from the community, including children who stopped celebrating birthdays and donated their money. Many women gave away jewelry, some even donated land for this.
DYFI also organized activities that directly involved the communities. The photo challenge invited people to the beaches, where they could have their pictures clicked against the backdrop of the beach for donations. A folk music group, Shakti Folk Band, performed in Ernakulam district to raise funds, and a pet auction was held in Palakkad.
Additional fundraising events include a football tournament in Kollam, food stalls serving biryani and Kerala sadhya, and fish and vegetable sales.
Temple priests offered to donate their daily allowance, while bus and car drivers donated their daily allowance to the campaign.
DYFI had earlier raised Rs 10 crore during the COVID-19 crisis through similar means, including collecting and selling discarded items.
The organization expressed its gratitude to its volunteers and the community for their great support. “This effort shows the power of collective action,” Sanoj said.
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