Shopping for a Cause During COVID-19
A Letter to All,
COVID-19 has become one of the scariest thing the current population has come to face. I understand at this time many of us are and have been trapped in our homes for upwards of 6 weeks and the end isn’t in sight just yet. Not being able to live our lives as we did a few months ago has left many people grasping on to things they can still do which feel normal and one thing I have seen TONS of people continuing to do is online shopping.
At first I didn’t understand why people were ONLINE SHOPPING, aren’t we supposed to be avoid touching things? But then I realized people aren’t shopping because they need new clothes, they are shopping because it helps them feel normal in some ways. I know this sounds crazy to some but stay with me here…
Shopping is something we have made into a social activity in today’s age and after seeing everyone shopping online, I thought to myself where is my money best spent at this time. After browsing on Instagram for a few minutes I came across a post from the Indian designer “Papa Don’t Preach” and saw they were doing an online care fund for their Karigars (craftsman); that’s when it hit me. If I’m going to shop during this time then let it be for a good cause and to SUPPORT someone who isn’t just facing a small pay reduction but someone who has no guarantee of when their next check will come in or someone who is one the front lines so I can be home safe. Below I have listed a few deals I have found which support various craftsmen, employees or essential employees, which I hope you can support if you have the ability to shop during this time of uncertainty. Now some of these things may not ship till a little later but don’t let that be a deal breaker since many of us are only going as far as the grocery store these days.
Be safe & healthy,
TKG
P.S. – I will keep adding to this list as I find more offers and ways to support so if you know of an offers I’ve missed, please send it my way and I will add it in.
P.S.2 - None of the links below are monetized, so the only people you are supporting by clicking the links and shopping are the ones who need it most right now.
Papa don’t Preach has started a fund they call Bag of Care, which lists 4 color options of their stylist belt bags for RS 5,000 or about $65, with all proceeds going towards their karigars essential needs. This products typically lists for double the price so this is a steal for anyone looking to pair this with a lehenga or even jeans. Please visit their page for more information.
Kresha Bajaj has listed one of their beautiful capes for RS 5,000 or about $65 with the intent of all proceeds going towards providing food and supplies for the families of their staff who at this time do not have access to necessary supplies at this time, while also guaranteeing work for them upon their return. Please visit their page for more information.
Mahima Mahajan has listed many of their beautiful lehengas, sarges and menswear for a discounted price at this time to help support their workers and provide a place of work once this has all come to an end. Many boutique designers throughout India do not have the client support that some of the larger brands, like Sabyasachi or Abu Jani, may have but ordering from them at a time like this keeps them open int he near future and also allows you to shop somewhere new you may not have before this. Please visit their page for more information.
Anjali Mahtani is a boutique brand with beautiful, intricate indian wear and is currently offering 20% off their their products, with all proceeds going to their staff and artists. This is a great chance to reach out and purchase the work of some very talented craftsman. Please reach out to the company via their social media handles or what’s app for pricing and details.
ADDITIONAL Deals for essential employees
Here is a link to some offers I found only for essential employees; I hope some of you can take advantage of these as you work on our front lines