Loza Foundation is now switching focus to the effects of COVID-19 and is busy fundraising to be able to carry out emergency relief efforts targeting the most vulnerable, exposed groups in North Macedonia. The poor and the infirm have been hit the hardest in this global crisis.
“Our aid is needed more than ever”, says Sabina Grubbeson, founder and Secretary-General of Loza Foundation.
It does not seem as though COVID-19 is likely to leave Europe in a hurry, and North Macedonia is no exception. As a precaution to stop the virus from spreading further, the government has decided to shut all schools and these measures are extremely tough on the poorer families.
Because of the current situation, Loza Foundation has chosen to partner up with local organisation Dendo Vas and the municipality of Suto Orizari in Skopje to offer assistance and aid to one of the biggest Romani ghettos in Europe.
“These are people that have no other way of supporting themselves but to beg, gather plastic and scrap metal for recycling, or picking up rubbish. At school, the children learn about hygiene, how to behave and function in society regardless of their domestic arrangements. When the schools shut, the children and their families lose a vital element of safety and security.
As things stand, the emergency funding is supposed to help 80 people in desperate need of aid. The aid packages will contain tinned food and rice, as well as personal hygiene products such as soap and shampoo. Initially, Loza Foundation needs to raise 5,600 Euros for aid parcels, which will be distributed over the next two months.
“In times of crisis, it is even more important that we do our bit for the poorest and most vulnerable, exposed groups in society. Thanks to Dendo Vas, we will be able to distribute the aid packages without delay in Suto Orizari. Then we will move on to other areas, such as Prilep and Bitola, which are also in dire need of assistance. Our work here must go on”, says Sabina Grubbeson.