A virtual movement to help street vendors restart their lives post the COVID-19 pandemic
United Way Chennai is hosting Run United 2020 – a virtual marathon fundraiser where participants can walk, run, or cycle a specific distance during the DaanUtsav Week i.e October 2 – October 8, 2020. United Way Chennai has created the campaign, #UnitedForStreetVendors to help street vendors who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unlike a traditional marathon, this virtual event allows you to stay active however you want, wherever you are and still help a family in need. Whether you want to take a brisk early morning walk around the neighborhood, run on the treadmill, or cycle on the main road, all you need to do is pledge a distance and cover it. You can track your progress daily using any fitness app of your choice and submit your details via email.
As part of the #UnitedForStreetVendors campaign, United Way Chennai has been providing financial assistance to these families by transferring Rs. 5-7K. This amount helps them pay for groceries, shop rent, meet medical expenses for the family etc.
With the city reopening, this aid helps them restart their business and get back on their feet.
To date, UWC has helped 700+ street vendors families of which 200+ were differently-abled. In order to expand their reach and help 1000 more such families, United Way Chennai is hosting Run United 2020 – a virtual marathon fundraiser during the DaanUtsav week, a festival to give back to the community.
Many corporate organizations have come forward to pledge their support including Cholamandalam Investment & Finance, Hercules Cycles, Access Healthcare, Scientific Games, Hatsun Yoghurt Shakes, L&T Construction &CavinKare.
United Way Chennai is also dedicating atleast 90% of the funds raised to the cause so that maximum number of families can be benefitted.
