Bengaluru: Class 10 Students Raise Funds To Donate 300 Oximeters To Underprivileged

Bengaluru students oximeters: Two Class 10 students of a private school in Bengaluru have reportedly raised around two lakh rupees in 24 hours to donate 300 pulse oximeters to underprivileged families who could not afford the fee due to financial hardships.

Amid the second wave of coronavirus, Sneha Raghavan and Shloka Ashok donated oximeters to a Bengaluru-based NGO, that serves the vulnerable groups. Sneha and Shloka's initiative will help distribute the oximeters to slum-dwellers in Bengaluru and rural women in Koppal in North Karnataka.

In a matter of just 24 hours, the girls designed posters and created a fundraiser. They were also able to reach out to various oximeter makers and settled for the most suitable economical deal. “I spoke to at least five manufacturers, but because of the shortage, some demanded high prices. We had set a goal to raise Rs 2 lakh, but we exceeded it by Rs 14,000. We increased the number of oximeters to 300,” said Shloka, whose exams have been postponed, The New Indian Express reported.

“We had never thought our initiative would get such immense support and response. We are extremely grateful to all the donors. This has encouraged me to take up more such social initiatives,” said Sneha, who is now eager to participate in more such initiatives and help those in need.

Shloka said, "we have more time for social initiatives", adding that the two will work with a social worker on more COVID-19 initiatives. "Now, I am making posters to spread awareness on the pandemic and vaccination, because that is of prime importance,” she said. Niru Agarwal, Trustee, Greenwood High International School, said the school would encourage more students to participate and contribute to such fundraisers in the city in the COVID-19 crisis.

Feature Image Credit: The New Indian Express