The Power Of Crowdfunding: Families Of Coal Miners Get Tremendous Support On Donatekart

For weeks now we’ve been surrounded by sights of pain and suffering. The nation has been engulfed by helplessness, and this has only amplified the struggles of thousands of daily wagers and people from lower economic backgrounds who are now fighting to survive every single day.
Among these are the coal miners of Dhanbad.

“We used to carry around 60 kgs of coal and walk for 7 km to earn Rs. 60 rupees. That was how we fed our families. Now, we’re not getting even that. The coronavirus second wave has left us with nothing — no food or job. Even if we get some rice and salt, we can survive. How long can we survive on just air?” — a coal miner in Dhanbad, Jharkhand

Thousands of families in and around the city survive by working as coal miners. As dangerous as it is, it’s their only source of income. They carry heavy weights and climb great heights. Explosions, landslides, and collapsing mines are common as they put their lives at risk every single day. Despite all the work they do, selling coal is a huge task. Families walk long distances every day just to be able to sell some coal. And after all that, they barely make enough to feed themselves and their children. The coal miners have no respite. However, for them, their biggest challenge continues to be hunger.

Today, amidst the second wave, they’re sleeping on an empty stomach.

Deeply affected by the plight of these families, Deepak Kumar started Nand Care Foundation five years ago to work towards the betterment of coal miners and tribal communities in and around Dhanbad. The foundation has been monumental in providing education to the children of coal miners and supporting these families over the years. During the second wave, they have been able to help thousands of these families get grocery kits through their fundraiser on Donatekart.

“When they were struggling for even a single grain of rice, Donatekart and so many generous donors came forward and helped them. These are such difficult times, but through a platform like Donatekart that brings NGOs and people together, we are able to lend a helping hand to so many in need. These coal miners now know that they are not alone and that they can make it through this crisis.” — Deepak Kumar, Founder, Nand Care Foundation

Donatekart left no stone unturned to support the coal miners of Dhanbad. Our unique model allows people from across the globe to donate towards raising funds for products required by NGOs, which are then delivered to them by us. With timely and swift action, and the support of over 14,500 generous donors, Nand Care Foundation was able to raise over 1.3 crores worth of grocery kits, and distribute grocery kits to 10000+ coal miners’ families.

Today, these families can hope for a better future; they know that they are not alone. And this was possible only because of the incredible kindness of so many donors.

Deepak hopes to continue helping more families through this crisis and beyond. You can support his cause here.