The Western Union Foundation is directly funding three COVID-19 projects to reach vulnerable groups in Asia.
In China, Give2Asia is partnering with the China Development Research Foundation (CDRF) to provide one year of healthy meals to approximately 900 students at two rural schools. These schools would otherwise not be able to get healthy meals due to increasing food costs associated with COVID-19.
In Japan, Give2Asia is partnering with the Association for Aid and Relief Japan (AAR) to provide medical equipment to people with disabilities and the medical staff that work with them. Organizations that support people with disabilities have acute needs for masks and sanitizers as the Japanese government focuses on supporting medical facilities. This program will support approximately 150 people with disabilities and staff members.
In South Korea, Give2Asia is partnering with the Saejowi Initiative for National Integration (Saejowi) to provide North Korean defectors with emergency food supplies and medical support. Funds will be used to provide food supplies to around 600 elderly defectors living alone, single-parent households, fees for mandatory COVID-19 testing, and medical transportation fees for mentally ill defectors to access mental health programs.