This past month SD USA was able to support two new projects that fulfill community needs during the Covid-19 pandemic. The money for these two projects came from the Melinda Wallis Memorial Fund. For those who never met Melinda, she was a remarkable human being who helped others within Subud and in the broader community throughout her life. In a way Melinda is still here helping out through these grants.
Facemasks
Cassidy Sterling from the Boston group received a grant for materials to sew facemasks to protect against Covid-19. He has donated over 400 masks so far to hospitals, nursing homes and individuals. He makes two varieties, a fitted mask in two sizes and pleated “surgical” style masks. Cassidy has said that this emergency filled him with the “fight or flight” impulse and, since flight is not an option, making masks is a way to fight. The personal benefit to Cassidy has been huge.
Face Shields
Dainuri Rott and Merrill Snell of Santa Clara, CA are using their 3D printing business to make Face Shields to give away to support health care workers in their area as well as retail employees and others at high risk for getting Covid-19. They have already made 50 shields and are busy making more to give away for those in need. We were happy to provide $500 to help them fulfill their new mission: “Our mission has become to produce Face Shields. As a small company we will do our best to get Shields to you.”
Idul Fitri Greetings
We pray that everyone observing the Ramadan fast receives God’s grace and blessings. For those wishing to give Zakat*, we are collecting donations for an emergency fund set up by SDIA (Susila Dharma International) to support projects affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Your donation will be distributed between five projects assisting with essential services in areas of dire need:
YUM: distributing hygiene kits, leaflets and food packages to families in Kalimantan and West Java
Anisha: distributing food kits to landless families in Karnataka, India
Susila Dharma Congo: distributing masks and protective equipment to staff at Health Centers operated by SD Congo
Enthum House (UK): supporting extra teaching costs associated with one-to-one tutoring for young unaccompanied asylum seekers
Mis Corazones Alegres (Colombia): purchasing an industrial freezer to store food for elderly residents with cognitive disorders
*Zakat is a charitable donation traditionally given at the end of Ramadan. Unlike regular donations to SD USA during the rest of the year (that are disbursed annually as grants to projects), zakat donations are sent immediately to the projects in need. All are welcome to send zakat contributions, whether observing the Ramadan fast or not!
Thank you for your support!
