ICRF provided ‘$1.5m to Indian workers in need’

One-and-a-half million American dollars (BD 550,000) worth of financial support has been provided by the Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF) to Indian workers in need in the Kingdom, it was announced. It has also supported over 400 families after the death of their breadwinners through its Family Welfare Fund.

As per the scheme, financial assistance of Indian Rupees 100,000 (BD544) was being handed over to the dependant of the deceased expat, who earned less than BD100 a month. These were among the many achievements and planned initiatives announced during a press conference held by the organization in Juffair yesterday.

“We regularly conduct medical camps at various labor camps, apart from blood donation campaigns and jail visits,” said ICRF Chairman Aruldas Thomas.   As part of the ICRF LIFE (Listen, Involve, Foster, Engage) initiative, around 10,000 flyers, and around 500 stickers have been printed to spread awareness about suicide hotlines.

“We have seen many situations, where students, as well as adults,  have gone into depression and suffered a lot. This initiative was started mainly targeting the students. We want to listen to their problems, involve them in a meaningful relationship, foster a relationship with them and engage them in positive activities,” said ICRF LIFE convener Dr. Babu Ramachandran.

The ICRF has also expanded its volunteer strength by including around 40 new members representing various states of India, residing in Bahrain.  

The fund will organize ‘ICRF - Summer Fest’, which will be held on June 28, at the Indian Club premises starting 3 pm. “We intend to create an atmosphere of celebrations and enjoyment for the low-income workers, in turn boosting their morale and create awareness on support systems available for them.”