During the pandemic, the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO) Trust Funds, The WZO Trust for Women and Children and the WZO Trust has, up to April 30, 2022, disbursed aid to 2,500 persons to the tune of Rs 5,24,80,519 (USD 6,99,740.25) for providing Covid relief.
The largest amount, Rs 1,83,92,836 (USD 2,45,237.81), was expended on providing medical aid, including hospitalization and treatment for 266 Covid afflicted. Salaried individuals who received reduced or no salaries, numbering 618, were given Rs 1,18,87,000 (USD 1,58,493.33). For the 295 mobeds who suffered loss of income due to closure of places of worship, the trusts provided succor to the extent of Rs 73,75,000 (USD 98,333.33).
Food grains worth Rs 61,88,625 (USD 82,515) were distributed to 933 persons in need. One hundred and fifty-seven self-employed persons who earned little or no income during the pandemic received Rs 32,90,000 (USD 43,866.67). Others, numbering 149, who were afflicted for miscellaneous reasons, received relief totaling Rs 27,20,600 (USD 36,274.67). Rs 15,36,458 (USD 20,486.11) was spent on the educational needs of 19 individuals. Sixty-three farmers were given relief to the extent of Rs 10,90,000 (USD 14,533.33) to compensate for loss of agricultural, dairy and poultry farming incomes.
DINSHAW K. TAMBOLY
Chairman, World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust Funds
dinshawtamboly@gmail.com