With a view to keep the homeless warm in the winter, IMPACT INITIATIVE distributed 5000 blankets among cold wave victims in different parts of the country. The main beneficiary was the climate-vulnerable people of the Northern and coastal areas of Bangladesh including Rangpur, Kurigram, Ponchghar, Nilphamari, Jhalokathi, and Satkhira districts. The distribution program was conducted between 9th January to 15th January 2022 with the support of the IMPACT INITIATIVE team and volunteers.
Rashida Khatun a Cyclone Amphan victim in Pratapnagar of Satkhira’s Assasuni Upazila was so happy to receive the winter gift from IMPACT INITIATIVE whose house was underwater and lost all her belongings. Although it is a tiny gift, bring a smile to her face as she got it in her need. People like Rashida feel that worthy people should come forward for their community in the time of their need.
Golapi Begum, another climate victim of the river erosion of Bhurungamari thana under Kurigram district is a widow. She used to be vulnerable and had no resources to manage her belongings to protect herself from cold waves. It is to be mentioned that Bhurungamari is identified as one of the most vulnerable areas of the country lagging behind from the benefit of ongoing development activities of the country. She doesn’t have anybody to support to manage her livelihood let alone the comfort of the winter warmer. Winter warmer in the form of Blanket comes to her as a blessing from the IMPACT INITIATIVE.
It is noted that the winter in Bangladesh can be pretty harsh and merciless for the underprivileged where the temperature drops to below 4 degrees in some of the areas in the northern part of the country. The poor often do have neither the resources nor the ability to fight against such a temperature drop. There has been a staggering loss of life. Every year a good number of people lose their lives due to the cold wave. Vulnerable fractions, such as the elderly or children, suffer the most during the cold waves.
It is to be mentioned that the embassy of China in Bangladesh donated 5000 blankets for the cold wave victim of the country. The recipient people conveyed the gratitude of China govt. and hope the continuation of this type of donation will be extended in the coming days.