São Paulo – The Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce will help fight the new coronavirus with new donations. The organization has launched on Monday (20) a crowdfunding with an initial goal of raising BRL 80,000 (USD 15,000) from members, Arab and Brazilian companies, religious institutions, meat packers, certifying firms, and individuals. The money is intended to buy masks and coats as well as other individual protection equipment needed in this pandemic scenario.
The material bought will be given to the hospitals of the Federation of Holy Houses and Hospitals of São Paulo (Fehosp) and the department of philanthropy of the Esporte Clube Sírio, Sírio do Bem, for the donation of masks to children with cancer receiving chemotherapy. Fehosp comprises over 30 public hospitals that need around 800,000 protection masks and impermeable and disposable coats for healthcare professionals.
The organization has already donated over 30,000 masks, 1,250 liters of hand sanitizers and 5,700 pillowcases to the Santa Marcelina hospital in the East Zone of São Paulo. “Now, donations are larger and more comprehensive. The Arab Chamber has a link to facilitate the deposit for anyone wishing to collaborate,” Arab Chamber director Claudia Haddad said.
The Arab Chamber has partnered up with Arab-descendant singer Cris Narchi. She wrote a song about people coming together called “Juntos”, whose views on YouTube will raise funds to fight COVID-19.
The Chamber’s director believes this is a very difficult time when the country needs solidarity actions. “This is the second campaign the Arab Chamber has committed itself to; this social side is crucial,” she said. Haddad said that the initial goal is raising BRL 80,000, but the organization will not wait for it to be reached to started to start using the resources. “As soon as they come, we’ll transfer them for the organizations that can’t afford to wait,” she said.
The director reported that the Chamber’s employees are collaborating to the campaign and stressed that it’s all being done with transparency. “On the website, you can see how much was raised and who donated, if it’s not an anonymous donation,” she said.
You can collaborate with any amount, and donations can be made with a credit card, which helps when they are done from abroad. To donate to the Arab Chamber crowdfunding, click on this link. For more information, send an email to campanha@ccab.org.br.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
