There must be people on HN who are in Mumbai or know Mumbai. Can you suggest to me what I might do?
And there also must be many other HN users in my position, who want to help someone far away and don't know how. Or who have helpful ideas for people in a specific location. Please post those as well.
Thank you.
https://www.fnp.com/ non-essential deliveries are available in Mumbai now I think. Ferns N' Petals takes American cards.
Swiggy is the local food delivery app. They'll take the random American card (try a few). You can just look at the "premium" options nearby. Ratings and photo quality in the app speak volumes.
Some other nice companies who would make good gifts that are less local but more national... blue tokai coffee roasters, third wave coffee, tea trunk, nicobar, nappa dori.
Also some government around the world took over private medical facilities especially in developing countries. So it can be a moment where both poor and wealthy have equal access unless they are politically connected. Add to that if India is experiencing a surge, maybe all medical facilities will be busy whether free or paid.
This is a matter of randomness (or fate if you believe in God) and unless you are there (in Mumbai) or can be there (which might not be feasible as flights are restricted world-wide) I don't think you can do much.
If money is what he needs and you suspect he's avoiding to ask, I'll just insist instead of buying him stuff online. I think he (and his family) will make better decisions with the money.
(In actual Iquitos, not Pebas or Nauta).
100% of my coworkers there (I am on the board of the NGO) are COVID-19 positive. While I can whatsapp them, I feel powerless right now to help them.
Any suggestions are welcomed !
A couple of things to consider:
I’m a fellow Indian and while I can’t generalise for everyone, some people are a bit shy and get offended when someone else offers food/groceries because in many parts of India it’s a sign of poverty.
If you can speak to your colleagues and ask if it’s ok, somethings to consider :
1. Long life milk which means lesser trips to supermarkets. Available on www.amazon.in ( search good life milk)
2. Frozen veggies/ ready to eat stuff to save some trouble
3. Not food but can you use some of your skills and make them more productive at work or less stressed? I’m sure they’ll appreciate this the most.
Godspeed!
I, like many of us, have been holed up in an apartment for months. I'm lucky to have family members with me, but talking to others occasionally has been good. Make it clear to them that you're available if they want to chat. Videocalls are better than voice only. If you have a common interest that may reasonably be done remotely, like video games, there's that.
Additionally one can order food delivery online to supply groceries as there are many apps that let you do that.