Every winter, India witnesses a tragic yet largely overlooked humanitarian crisis. Homeless individuals, migrant labourers, and people residing in remote rural regions face severe risks as temperatures drop. Goonj recognises this as a preventable disaster—one rooted not in the cold itself, but in the absence of adequate winter clothing.
The impact of recent years has further intensified this vulnerability. Communities already facing deep economic distress due to the pandemic and a series of natural disasters now confront harsher winters with diminished resources. Material poverty has increased significantly, leaving millions without even the most basic protection against extreme weather. For these groups, winter is not merely a season, but an annual emergency that compromises health, wellbeing, and survival.
For 26 years, Goonj has been working to draw national attention to this silent crisis, advocating that winter must be recognised as an avoidable, recurring disaster. Through its Rahat Winters initiative, Goonj provides timely relief in the form of warm clothing and essential winter materials to homeless individuals and other vulnerable communities. This intervention addresses one of the most fundamental yet overlooked necessities—clothing—which, beyond dignity, constitutes an essential layer of protection for human survival.
In this context, Goonj’s efforts aim not only to offer immediate assistance but also to highlight the systemic neglect of winter-related vulnerabilities. By recognising and responding to winter as an annual disaster, Goonj continues to work towards reducing preventable deaths and suffering, ensuring that communities have the basic resources required to withstand the growing extremities of the season.
Join #OdhaDoZindagi, Goonj’s annual winter campaign, and support us monetarily by being part of the campaign to provide essential items like blankets, woolens, and more to those in need, while contributing to climate action.
The saree you cherish but haven’t worn in a while can now contribute to the larger cause of women’s dignity, development, and climate action. Instead of simply recycling your sarees, Goonj them.
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