The virus that got the best out of us

It was today, last year that a random whatsapp message asking for help (as a result of the C-19 outbreak) changed the way i looked at gratitude. I knew back then that the world/community around us was affected but little did I know that it would have such a profound effect on the way I appreciated my family, friends, colleagues and the wider community, mostly of strangers.

This world has been priming us for change but the last 12 months have been nothing but transformational on a personal level; it got me out of my comfort zone, made me appreciate the little joys of life, show gratitude for everything i was blessed with and accept things in life arent meant to be perfect because after all, effects and filters on socials are only for feeds, not real lives.

I know you’re still thinking what am i alluding to? Well it is a little note of appreciation for something that i could have never ever envisaged had it not been to last year's surrealism; well, a group of my friends and i set out on a little grass root initiative to connect people who want to help with people who are in need of help.

We formed a team, at first of friends/colleagues and then of complete strangers (who i now know call my second family), and along the way, worked with some wonderful souls to grow it meaningfully week in week out by putting the needs of others before our own fears.

We were overwhelmed by the amount of help needed around so we gave this initiative an identity @sahemforhope, and turned it into an initiative that would give us a new purpose in life; for the privileged ones, it allowed them to recalibrate what true happiness means, and for the less fortunate ones (without a job during this period), it gave them a sense of direction (as we encouraged them to gift their time and help us find more of the same affectees)

I cant help but think of some of the most touching stories we have come along the way of people so deprived of their basic necessities, yet so grateful for being alive, for being able to just think and dream again to make a come back, get back on their feet and turn their lives around.

Last night, after a marathon food run of 14 hours (giving out food packs to people ahead of Ramadan), we completed a year on the road ; a year in which we were fortunate enough to touch, improve, and change the lives of the thousands of people in the country. We provided relief by giving out food packs (essentials that last for 2/3 weeks) to 13k+ people, 7k hot meals and repatriated nearly 200 people back to their home countries. Yes, let that all sink in! Heck of a year!

And more importantly, we brought together 350+ supporters including social influencers, RJs, Teachers, Doctors, Wealth Managers, University students and the common person like you, who are now all actively giving back to their circle of community. Our KPI isnt to give out relief to more people but rather encourage people like you and i to be more considerate for each other. It may sound all too philosophical but trust me, this is a pretty understated quality.

Managing purpose over people has always been my go-to plan and this journey has been no different. A big thank you to all my team and everyone else who may have taken a few steps along the way with us!

Onwards & Upwards!