This social initiative of two friends raised funding for people affected by Covid-19

From US presidential elections to Indian environmental protection organizations facing digital blockages by the Indian government, climate change and environmental protection seem to be issues of dispute for many. Numerous reports and scientific studies for climate action have been reported, such as the 2019 report by 11,258 scientists from 153 countries reporting that the planet “clearly and disproportionately faces a climate emergency”.

Priyanka Khanna and Hemali Jain, co-founders of Social Initiative World 2020, wanted to create awareness among people, especially children, about the environment.

Priyanka Khanna and Hemali Jain world’s co-founders (Sincerely: World Team)

“We wanted to come together to raise awareness through a sustainable and artistic ecosystem,” says Priyanka, an entrepreneur who curb fashion and lifestyle events.

The two friends planned the world as a one-day event to bring school children and artists together on Earth Day, which falls on 22 April. They Save the earth Planned to use recycled material and sustainable art to create awareness to save the Earth through the theme. However, the Covid-19 epidemic stalled his plans.

Priyanka and Hemali, an emerging health coach and fashion entrepreneur, turned the world into an outreach program and Tanisha Rahimtulla Aggarwal, Tied up with Curatoro’s founder, a men’s apparel brand, and celebrity stylist Sanjana Batra.

Through this initiative, 32 designers came together to raise funds for NGO Project Mumbai. Anamika Khanna, Ridhi Mehra, Anushka Khanna, Kresha Bajaj, Pero, Payal Singhal, Kanika Goyal, Gauri Nanika, Saksha and Kinney, Dhruv Kapoor, Ridhima Bhasin Like celebrated talents.

Set up by Shishir Joshi, Project Mumbai has launched initiatives like Khaana and Send Home and has helped feed and transport many poor and helpless migrants affected by the epidemic.

T-shirt for a cause

Priyanka and Hemali convinced 32 artists and creators to design a unique T-shirt on the theme ‘Save the Earth’. He urged artists to create a design that shows what the ‘world’ means to them.

& Result Creative, Limited Edition was a collection of T-shirts manufactured using locally recycle fabrics, clay prints, and embroidery. These T-shirts went on sale on the website of Curato on 29 July with prices ranging from Rs 2,500 to Rs 7,000.

All T-shirts were sold in one day and the world raised close to Rs 1.6 lakh. The entire project proceeds from the sale went to Mumbai.

T-shirts made by designer Shriya Som, Natasha Dalal and Arjun Kilachand for the World Initiative. (Sincerely: World Team)

“We wanted to do something to help people during the epidemic. As Hemali was already working with Project Mumbai, we wanted to create awareness and donate the entire proceeds, ”says Priyanka.

The funds raised from the sale will be used by Project Mumbai to assist the handicapped and senior citizens affected by the epidemic. A portion of the funds will help restart the NGO’s ‘Resyclathon’ program.

“Due to Covid-19, waste disposal has also increased with people using masks and other items and then discarded. Therefore, the project is one of the ways to use the funds for Mumbai’s environment program, ”says Hemali.

Walk for local

With partnerships with local designers and artists and locally produced, sourcing and manufacturing, co-founders aim for local campaigns ‘Vocal for Local’ Campaign is to be promoted. With the epidemic affecting people as well as small and local businesses, Hemali and Priyanka wanted to help in that place as well.

Priyanka says,

“We wanted to support our local Indian designers. We need to support all the tailors and laborers, especially those who are suffering. We felt that it was the need of the hour to support Indian manufacturers and designers.”

Going forward, Priyanka and Hemali hope to make the world an annual event with a creative and artistic approach to create awareness about environmental protection and to use the funds received each year to support various charities.

When the epidemic is over, she hopes to complete her pre-planned schedule for Earth Day with school children as both believe that the younger and future generations play a key role in protecting the environment.