Workers of Sheroes cafe distribute free food to the needy in Lucknow & Agra

Acid attack survivors that once worked at Sheroes, are now preparing food and distributing them free-of-cost to the underprivileged. This initiative is being jointly run by the Lucknow and Agra franchise of Sheroes since last month, after losses incurred post-pandemic forced them to shut down their venture. Apart from feeding the poor, this initiative is also creating awareness among people to stop the heinous crime of acid attacks.

Providing for almost 100 people every day

The acid attack survivors have divided the chores among them- some buy raw vegetables, some cook the food while others are involved in packaging and distribution. However, all members ensure that hygiene standards are maintained and that covid appropriate behaviour is adhered to. Further, they make certain that there's enough variation on the menu and that the food tastes good.

Hunger and poverty do not wait for a pandemic to end before they start inflicting chaos. With this in mind, several Lucknowites have stepped up to aid this free food distribution drive by the survivors. A city resident, Dr. P. K. Singh has donated 81 kg of ration to this noble cause. You too can join hands and work for the welfare of society by donating to their online fundraiser on Milaap.

Backed by Chhanv & Bekoz Neko

This philanthropic deed by Sheroes is backed by Chhanv Foundation- a non-profit organisation and Bekoz Neko- a Spanish NGO. Chhanv has secured funding through which will pay a monthly remuneration of ₹10,000 to 30 survivors for a year and will also help in the treatment and rehabilitation of almost 70 acid attack survivors.

Empathy beckons empathy

Sheroes reaches out to at least a hundred people on a daily basis and are preparing to increase this number. The thought behind these food drives was to give back the love and support that Sheroes has received over the years. Survivors are unsure if they can revive their cafe now, however, they wish to continue this initiative by turning it into tiffin services or a catering business for small get-togethers. The benevolent actions by the acid attack survivors are a lesson in empathy that we all can learn to emulate.

-With inputs from IANS