Bolton currently has the highest new Covid-19 infection rate in the whole country and there is much speculation that we Boltonians may all be put under local restrictions yet again whilst most of the rest of the country isrevelling in being able to regain most of its freedom. (The story of Bolton’s life for much of the last 14 months!)
Last weekend though, my children were able to receive their first Covid-19 vaccine because of where we live. This means that every member of my family (and much of my extended family) has now received at least one vaccination – what a blessing and what a privilege. After their vaccinations, we had a little treat visit to a local ice-cream parlour, before coming home to get food out of the freezer to eat after we got home from work/school the following day.
We may be fed up of the restrictions and missing our family and friends but we have never been in the situation of wondering how we could possibly get enough food and other supplies to survive or whether we would be able to afford life-saving treatment if we could actually find a hospital with enough resources/space left to treat us. The following makes me really appreciate just how lucky I am to live and work where I do – yes, even Bolton ?!!
On Monday, we received an email from Devi Prasad. Their village is in lockdown with markets (no popping to the fridge or freezer for more food for our Nepalese families), banks, schools, etc. shut. Covid-19 cases are rising rapidly and they are beginning to experience some deaths. Most of the community have lost their jobs and, unlike during the first Nepal lockdown, there is no support or supplies from the government nor NGOs, etc. Only 7% of the population of Nepal has received a first vaccination and the programme has now been halted due to supplies of the vaccine drying up.
Devi Prasad estimates that there are 100 families in the village who are in dire need of help and estimates the cost to be about NPR 3000 (£18) per month per family. He has a plan to be able to distribute food to the families. However, they will need financial help to be able to do this (and he is also delighted to report that our school community have made 2500 facemasks for the protection of others in the area).
We are asking, therefore, that if you feel you want to send a donation, no matter how big or small (every penny helps), please send it to Maureen, the Chair of LEARN, as the charity was registered solely to support the school and this appeal falls outside that object. Donations can be sent:
Directly into Maureen’s EC account:
Maureen Hawksworth
Sort code: 60-60-06
Account number: 46256539
USING THE REFERENCE: C-19 HELP
or by post to:
Maureen Hawksworth, 9 Brockenhurst Drive, Bolton, BL2 4HP.
A HUGE THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE. PLEASE KEEP THEIR COMMUNITY IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.