India’s coronavirus crisis is worsening by the day.

With daily case numbers now topping 360,000, the Indian community in Cork has launched a fundraising drive to raise money for oxygen concentrators, ventilators, ICU beds, and financial support for families in need.

The Hope Foundation has been appealing to the Irish public to help it fund its hospital in Kolkata.

The charity, run by Cork woman Maureen Forrest, provides food packs to daily labourers, migrant workers, and their families, as well as operating an emergency hospital and a night ambulance service.

You can find out more about The Hope Foundation’s efforts and make a donation here.

Meanwhile the Indian Alumni Community at University College Cork will be liaising with Bharath Govind G.S. and Aishwarya Chandran of CoVolNet, a Kerala-based online network that helps connect people with the right resources during the pandemic.

Last year, the group of more than 300 Cork-based Indian students and UCC staff were on hand to support local students with groceries after they lost their jobs during the lockdown. They also offered to counsel students who felt helpless to protect their families at home.

“I am sure you all would have heard about the massive surge in India for Covid-19,” said Dr. Lekha Menon Margassery, President, UCC Indian Alumni Community.

“In response to this, UCC Indian Alumni Community are raising funds to help them with the medical equipment and also to support families that have been affected due to the pandemic.”

Speaking to The Hindu, CoVolNet’s Bharath Govind said the biggest demand is for oxygen cylinders, especially in Delhi.

“We have a verification and research team that verifies information on availability and connect the needy to them.” he explained. An online donation hub has been created by the Indian Alumni Community and you can donate online here.