by Father Blany Pinto for BISMumbai

The Salesians of Don Bosco at Don Bosco Lonavla have adopted 03 villages during the COVID-19 pandemic and are distributing food,in weekly phases to 174 families. Even as the COVID-19 lockdown crisis continues to affect marginalised sections of society, the Katkari tribal villagers, most of whom are daily wage labourers, have been identified as the most impoverished deprived needy. This food distribution outreach has been happening every week, since the last 03 weeks.

Apart from the 03 adopted villages, Don Bosco Lonavla is also reaching out to 03 other villages in the vicinity. Comprising of daily-wage earning Katkaris, 47 families in Vaksi Katkarwadi, 65 families in Karanduli Katkarwadi, 10 families in Vergaon Katkarwadi, and 15 families in Karla Katkarwadi have been assisted to cope during these critical days of the lockdown. Every week, Unita Doulton with her team, assisted by Sonali Shelke and Ravi Shelke ensure that food is made available to these most underprivileged and marginalised tribal populace, without fail.

These COVID-19 outreach efforts of Don Bosco Lonavla are made possible, thanks to the large-hearted financial aid provided by generous benefactors in Lonavla.