In Mumbai, the bustling heart of India, Habitat for Humanity India has unveiled its innovative initiative, Brick-Aid, a digital fundraising campaign aimed at bolstering support for affordable and climate-resilient housing. Launched on the occasion of the organisation's 42nd anniversary, this campaign seeks to unite business leaders, global partners, and advocates to spotlight the pressing need for secure homes among the country’s marginalised communities.
The launch event featured notable personalities such as Rajashree Birla, chairperson of the IndiaBUILDS advisory committee, alongside renowned actors John Abraham and Jacqueline Fernandes. This initiative also commemorates the 20th anniversary of the IndiaBUILDS advisory committee, a collective of business leaders and philanthropists dedicated to supporting Habitat for Humanity India through advocacy, volunteer efforts, and partnerships, thereby amplifying the impact of their mission.
Brick-Aid operates as a unique virtual giving model where individuals can contribute by ‘donating a brick’ online, symbolizing their commitment to supporting housing for vulnerable families. Each virtual brick represents a significant contribution, and participants are encouraged to invite others, creating a ripple effect of community engagement and support. The campaign not only aims to raise awareness and resources for affordable housing but also champions green building practices, renewable energy, and climate-resilient designs.
Anand Kumar Bolimera, the national director of Habitat for Humanity India, emphasized that Brick-Aid is a collective call to action aimed at fostering sustainable and equitable communities. He articulated that every pledge made through this campaign directly contributes to improving living standards and advancing the cause of secure housing for marginalized groups.
The launch also featured a panel discussion on the theme of 'Housing for All', featuring insights from industry leaders such as Niranjan Hiranandani of the Hiranandani Group, Jayesh Shah of Svatantra Housing Microfinance Corporation, and Patrick Canagasingham of Habitat for Humanity International. Their discussions highlighted the collaborative efforts required to address the housing crisis in India and the role of initiatives like Brick-Aid in achieving these critical objectives.