Charity fundraising for coronavirus relief: How can you help in the battle?

With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in Bulgaria came times of uncertainty and fear, both for our health and our work. It would be very easy to feel helpless, but there are many things we can do to combat the effects of the coronavirus. As well as following the recommendations of the National Operations Headquarters (NOC), there are a number of other things we can all do to help those affected.

We can all help and do our duty by getting involved in charity fundraising campaigns to fight the effects of coronavirus. As the number of cases rises, more and more people are in need of vital medical help, as well as day-to-day assistance - food supplies and provisions for people who are in quarantine and have no one to help them.

What is coronavirus and how can you protect yourself?

The only sure thing at the moment about coronavirus is that it is a respiratory infection that can be passed from person to person. The virus has not yet been fully studied and doctors are continuing to research it. For this, it is very important that you only listen to the advice of doctors and do not succumb to the information that is spread by illegitimate sources on the internet.

To get the latest information and facts about coronavirus, use the Bulgarian Uniform Information Portal. Not only the number of patients, but also the current situation in Bulgaria and around the world are published daily on the site. It is also very important to observe personal hygiene - wash hands often and use disinfectant, do not touch the face with dirty hands, do not touch the eyes and keep a distance with other people.

Additional measures you can take is to check the Bulgarian Uniform Information Portal before travelling, where you will find the current situation by region in Bulgaria. Once you are sure that the area you want to travel to is safe, you can hit the road.

Why is it important to support those affected by COVID-19?

The consequences of the coronavirus are not only for the sick, but much more extensive and severe. To date, there are entire countries that have been placed under lockdown. In Italy, for example, there are over 16 million people quarantined in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

With such a huge number of people under quarantine and many more falling ill on a daily basis, governments need to react very quickly. The problems are like an avalanche - lack of food, lack of emergency financial aid, lack of money to pay rent, loans, etc. People are struggling because they are losing their jobs and cannot cover their monthly expenses. Also sick people who have lost their jobs cannot cover the cost of their treatment.

Ways to secure financial help for the consequences of the coronavirus

As the threat of the coronavirus grows and strains our economy and health care system, here are a few things each of us can do to help:

1. Direct financial assistance to individuals affected by the coronavirus.

Cost of living

Some of the people most affected are those who work in the restaurant and hospitality business, employees in large shopping mall-type shopping centers, nightclub and bar employees, and people who work hourly. These people lose their jobs for an indefinite period of time and do not have the opportunity to meet their regular expenses - food, medicine, rent, credit, etc. Therefore, it is important to get ahead of the crisis and help a person in need. You can help with a job offer or by talking to them about what they need.

Food, water and other essential provisions

There are households that are extremely affected by the coronavirus. They have an urgent need for emergency provisions. You can help them and it will not cost you much.

Support small businesses and the unemployed

As a result of the coronavirus, there are many small businesses that are badly affected - they have many sick workers and have to close down, or as a result of the economic crisis they have no work and have to close and lay off their employees. Starting a fundraising campaign for your favorite restaurant, bar, coffee shop or boutique is one way to help business owners as well as employees. You can also help by spreading the campaign on social networks like Facebook or Twitter to attract more donors. You can also donate to the business yourself.

2. Create a care package to reduce the risk of infection.

Although everyone takes precautions, some people in our society are at greater risk and are more susceptible to the virus. These are the elderly and people with co-morbidities. People who are hardly mobile and need help from an assistant find the quarantine period very difficult. To help these individuals you should consider creating a care package that will reduce the risk of infection.

For example - volunteers in Chicago created such a care package. As the threat of COVID-19 grew, these volunteers took action and created a plan to supply people who needed the most help during the crisis. There are also organizations in Bulgaria that are involved in delivering supplies to hard-to-move people.

3. Start a fundraising campaign for yourself or someone else.

Another great way to help is by setting up a fundraising campaign for yourself or to help someone else in need. In this way, you will help a person affected by COVID-19 to overcome the difficulties and consequences of the virus - economic and health.

Of course, you can create a fundraising campaign for you. You may have a seriously ill family member, need help caring for your children, or be out of work as a result of the coronavirus.

4. Donate to a cause that is fighting to alleviate the effects of coronavirus.

Another great way to help is by making a donation to an organization that is fighting the effects with the coronavirus. By contributing to charities that are doing this, you are lending your direct support to the cause.

Check out all the campaigns at PavelAndreev.ORG.

Take action to raise funds to fight the effects of coronavirus today!

Start a fundraising campaign to fight the coronavirus or think about your own way to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Helping now is key. Whether you contact me to talk or take another step, the important thing is to resolve to start helping now, not tomorrow.