Robin Hood Army to vaccinate 1.5 lakh underprivileged citizens, serve 5 million meals in collaboration with WhatsApp, Uber and Google

The initiative named #mission28states is a national effort across 28 states in the country, in which RHA volunteers shall bring together civic society supported by three leading technology firms to address two key challenges facing our nation today – feeding the hungry and ensuring every Indian is vaccinated before a potential deadly third wave. Like every RHA initiative that operated on a no-funds approach, all the support brought in by the technology partners will be used to achieve #mission28states throughout India, the organisation said in a statement.

Speaking on the occasion, Neel Ghose, Founder, The Robin Hood Army said, “The pandemic has been devastating for lakhs of families and widened inequities across our communities. Whilst the government and administrations are doing their best, it's important that civic society steps up and contribute our talent and resources. In the lead up to our Independence Day, this year through the support of WhatsApp, Uber and Google for the #mission28states, Robins will mobilise 1.5 lakh people to get the COVID- 19 vaccine and at least 5 million meals across every state of India between 31 July-15 August 2021."

"At the Robin Hood Army, we are stoked to bring together civic society and leading technology partners together to undertake this massive effort to increase outreach against COVID-19 and create impact across every state in the country," he said.

Speaking about the RHA initiative, Abhijit Bose, Head of WhatsApp India, said, “WhatsApp has been an integral medium for civic actors like Robin Hood Army, to reach Covid-19 relief efforts to people, at scale. In line with WhatsApp’s vision for India, to contribute meaningfully and build solutions where needed the most, we are inspired to support Robin Hood Army further by powering a WhatsApp chatbot solution that helps to solicit volunteers for #mission28states, that is aimed at bringing relief to the impacted communities during this unprecedented pandemic.”

Speaking on this initiative, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia, said, “We’re thrilled to be joining forces with our valued partner, the Robin Hood Army, for supporting the #mission28states campaign. It will be an honour for us to join the war against Covid across India. At Uber, we are committed to ensure mobility is not a barrier to timely vaccination of the underserved communities and for fighting crippling hunger amidst those, worst impacted by the pandemic. Working together, we can help our communities to recover faster and reboot the economy.”