Today, the world completes 399 days of pandemic by the new coronavirus. Declared on March 11, 2020, by the World Health Organization, it has brought many changes in people's daily lives and even more challenges for everybody.
In Rio de Janeiro, the social situation has critically worsened. According to a survey prepared by the Industry Social Service (SESI), in January 2021, 15.1% of the state's population was in extreme poverty, that is, living with up to R$89 per capita per month. The actual number reaches 2.61 million citizens of Rio de Janeiro who are directly affected by the current crisis.
Likewise, according to SESI, 80% of families in the communities are surviving on less than half of their income compared to the beginning of the pandemic, and 76% of the residents stated that on at least one day they did not have money to buy groceries.
On Wednesday, April 14, an online meeting was held to set the beginning of the campaign “SESI Citizens Against Hunger" campaign,” led by Eduardo Eugênio Gouvêa Vieira, President of the Industries Federation of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Firjan), and was attended by the President of Ternium Brazil and the Chairman of the Social Responsibility Council of Firjan/SESI, Marcelo Chara.
Eduardo Eugênio and Marcelo Chara during the online event to launch the campaign.
The campaign consists of three action fronts:
- donation in cash via website, by companies or individuals, which will turn into basic baskets and cards to buy basic baskets;
- donations of basket products, by companies or individuals, at SESI units; and
- an internal campaign by Firjan's employees, consisting of a basket donated by Firjan to each contributing employee.
In addition, 23 units of the Firjan network will be open throughout the state to receive donations of non-perishable food, either from companies or individuals.
“With this giant crisis, it is impossible for us not to act urgently on the issue of hunger and poverty. Through this solidarity action, Firjan/SESI reinforce their role as agents of social transformation to help those who need it most to overcome this critical moment”, said the Federation's President, Eduardo Eugênio.
Marcelo Chara emphasized the disheartening data verified by Getúlio Vargas Foundation, which points out the vertiginous growth in the number of poor people. The number went from 9.5 million in August 2020 to more than 27 million in February 2021, with hunger being the main consequence of this scenario. “The Federation has a key role in this mobilization against hunger that has a profound social impact,” the businessman said.
During the meeting, Chara said that in the pandemic, the priority continues to be to protect people's health and lives: “We have to keep following all the recommendations, such as wearing masks, avoid crowding, and staying at home as much as possible.” He added that it is a great challenge to keep the economic activity in the time of the pandemic.
“There is an effort from everyone to continue moving the economy, creating jobs, and paying taxes. But it is essential to perform productive activities while complying with all health protocols,” said Marcelo Chara, informing that Ternium has supported the city of Rio de Janeiro with an investment of R$9 million for ICU assemblies, donation of tests, and renovation of a family clinic in Santa Cruz.
“Now, under the leadership of Firjan and Eduardo Eugênio, we will mobilize the business community and our employees in this important campaign against hunger,” said Marcelo Chara who, at the end of his participation in the meeting, quoted a phrase from the Brazilian sociologist Herbert de Souza: “Those who are hungry are in a hurry.”
Check out the full live broadcast of the meeting: https://youtu.be/K0Z4-u37LFs
More information on the official channels of the campaign SESI, Citizens Against Hunger.
Or call: 0800-0231-231 and 4002-0231 (Monday to Friday, from 9h to 18h).