Corona Virus: Need for Masks

While in India, Rubina and I heard news of panic from the scarce supply of face masks to protect individuals from contracting the corona virus. She insisted that we should directly bring the face masks to Hong Kong from Punjab.

We contacted dozens of suppliers and struggled to find masks, as they too were starting to become a scarce commodity. But, managed to secure thousands of masks (N95 and surgical elastic masks) that we could fit inside as many pieces of luggage we could buy. Shortly after, we found out, India had banned all export of masks. But, we decided to still take the risk. The deed was more important than the risk.

We left Sunday and ironically faced no hurdles bringing them over. With the help of the amazing team at RedLotus, we found three charities that focus on helping handicapped, low-income families and the blind to help distribute the masks.

I’ve also been shocked at the way xenophobia has been spread to target the Chinese diaspora. At a time, when uncertainty brings out the wrong in humans – we feel, we have to believe that good will prevail. Without love, there is no hope.

I encourage you all to see how you can help during this time. If you are also interested in donating supplies to Hong Kong, feel free to reach out directly at www.chahalfoundation.org

Gurbaksh Chahal

Chahal Foundation, @chahalnonprofit

Update: India has lifted the mask export ban, Monday. Please consider this as an opportunity to donate to Hong Kong. .