‘Phone friends’ for those in need

AHMEDABAD: Instant messaging application WhatsApp might have hundreds of messages floating around seeking help for someone hospitalized or needing some money for education. But it’s not easy to verify these claims.
“Another issue is faced by many Good Samaritans when they approach those in need — it’s a challenge to ensure that their dignity remains intact,” says Daniyal Delhiwala, a Paldi-based businessman.Delhiwala along with his friends had launched a WhatsApp group three years ago with 20 members to help a cancer patient. The group is now full to the capacity and is reaching out to at least three to four individuals per week.
Muzammil Shaikh, co-founder of the group, said that all members come from middle class and are in jobs or businesses. “Once someone puts a message for help, a team scrutinizes the claim, including the nature of distress, the amount required and background of the family,” he said.
Once the case is found to be genuine, the expected amount is put up. The members can contribute according to their wish and capacity. The accounts are available online along with contact of the beneficiary, he added. The group has made a rule not to provide cash donations.
The group has been instrumental in getting families help for paying school fees, getting remaining fund for weddings or treatment for patients. “In a recent case, a cataract patient was asked to wait for a fortnight which was difficult for her. Thus, we put in a message in the group and raised Rs 25,000 within a few hours,” said Luqman Vohra, a group member.