Class 10 Students from Bengaluru Raise Funds, Donate 300 Oximeters

 

Article by Chhavi Manchanda

Bengaluru: Recognizing the crucial need for health monitoring devices for those isolated at home amid the second wave of novel coronavirus, Sneha Raghavan and Shloka Ashok, two grade 10 students of Greenwood High International School reportedly managed to raise a fund of Rs 2 lakh in mere 24 hours and undertook a social initiative to provide over 300 oximeters to the underprivileged.

Sneha and Shloka had launched an online fundraiser on GiveIndia and achieved their target in no time. "With the second wave of Covid-19 threatening more lives than ever, the underprivileged have proven to be the most vulnerable due to their lack of resources. We, Sneha and Shloka, are part of a project that aims to raise funds to provide 200 oximeters to people in slums and we request you to contribute whatever you can towards this noble cause," the campaign page read.

The girls said the pulse oximeters will be donated to an NGO named Sampark that serves the vulnerable groups. The Bengaluru-based NGO would further distribute them across labour colonies in Bengaluru and among rural women in villages across Koppal, a city in North Karnataka.

They were also able to reach out to various oximeter makers and settled for the most suitable economical deal. “I spoke to at least five manufacturers, but because of the shortage, some demanded high prices. We had set a goal to raise Rs 2 lakh, but we exceeded it by Rs 14,000. We increased the number of oximeters to 300,” said Shloka, whose exams have been postponed, The New Indian Express reported.

“As our board exams are canceled, we have more time for social initiatives. Now, I am making posters to spread awareness on the pandemic and vaccination, because that is of prime importance,” said Shloka, adding that the two will work further on Covid initiatives with Anupama Parekh, the social worker behind the project. Niru Agarwal, Trustee, Greenwood High International School, said the school would encourage more students to undertake such initiatives in these testing times.