Adopts a cluster of three villages in Maharashtra under its CSR initiative for the holistic development of the community
October 24, 2020: Avashya Foundation, the CSR arm of Allcargo Logistics, India’s largest integrated private sector logistics solutions provider, has taken a proactive lead in adopting a cluster of villages in Maharashtra. As part of its CSR initiative, Allcargo adopted three villages and constructed 17 houses for underprivileged communities of the Panvel block in Raigad district. Out of these, 14 houses were handed over in Dhamani (Choti Dhamni, Mothi Dhamni and Aushyachiwadi), and nearby villages like Sangtoli, and Shivansai.
On the occasion of the birthday of Mr. Vaishnav Shetty, Executive Director, ECU Worldwide, these constructed houses were handed over to 13 female beneficiaries from women-headed households and four male beneficiaries inclusive of a person with disability and senior citizens.
Housing being one of the basic needs of the community, the initiative is part of Avashya Foundation’s mission and vision to empower weaker sections of the society and transform their lives through access to better housing amenities. The housing project was a brainchild of Mr. Shashi Kiran Shetty, Founder and Chairman, Allcargo Logistics. An ardent advocate and keen proponent of fostering community empowerment at the lowest strata of society, Mr. Shetty has steadfastly believed that affordable housing is the key to bringing marginalized communities into the social and economic mainstream. Under his dynamic vision and guidance, Avashya Foundation has constantly been exploring alternatives and avenues to contribute towards building a sustainable housing infrastructure for poor sections of the population.
“Access to affordable housing facilities is the key to ensuring the sustained development and well-being of individuals and families. Housing also plays a key role in enhancing the status of communities in the social and economic hierarchy and providing them with a sense of respect and dignity. As a responsible corporate citizen, we remain committed to uplifting the lives of our fellow beings through projects like these and ensure inclusive growth and development for them,” stated Mr. Shashi Kiran Shetty, Founder and Chairman, Allcargo Logistics.
“Shelter is one of the most basic human needs and it is really sad to see so many people deprived of it. This Housing Project where we have been able to help deserving families with a roof over their heads has been a truly fulfilling initiative. Being among the privileged, it is our duty to help those in need and contribute to the welfare of the society and community in every way we can. We look ahead to carrying out many more such activities and making a real difference in many more lives, in the days to come,” stated Mrs. Arathi Shetty, Head – CSR, Avashya Foundation, CSR arm of Allcargo Logistics.
Additionally, with the focus on education, environment, housing, sports and healthcare facilities for the villagers, the Foundation is also actively training the youth and imparting the skills related to logistics, and tailoring, respectively. With the adoption of the villages, Avashya Foundation also plans to support agriculture and horticulture related works. Similarly, forward linkages after training being provided for formal job training.
Through Avashya Foundation, Allcargo Logistics have been in the forefront of providing relief support and livelihood sustenance to economically weaker communities who were grappling with an existential crisis in the pandemic-induced lockdown. During this period, the Foundation collaborated with charitable trusts to mobilise meals for daily wage earners, migrant labourers, persons with disabilities and families. It also collaborated to arrange free-of-cost heart surgeries and related treatments of 25 children from underprivileged families. Furthermore, as part of the Allcargo Disha and Disha Career Seed projects, the Foundation provided scholarships to 750 students in Mumbai appearing for the HSC Examination. It has also been instrumental in distributing PPE kits and grocery supplies to vulnerable families in the tribal belts of Maharashtra, amongst other notable initiatives.
