Crackers Spoil NGO Goonj’s Diwali, Destroys Winter Supply for Poor

Fire caused by a stray cracker in NGO Goonj’s godown destroyed the supply of woollens meant for the poor in winter.

Fire in the Goonj building on the night of November 11. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook Page of Goonj)

The Delhi centre of the non-governmental organisation (NGO), Goonj, caught fire on Diwali night, November 11, 2015.

Based in Sarita Vihar in Delhi, the 3,000 square feet building caught fire and was damaged after a cracker burst in a godown full of clothes.

Scanning through the losses. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook Page of Goonj)

The NGO, which actively helped victims of the Nepal earthquake, lost tonnes of material stored for donation.

The damaged material was meant for distribution among the poor in the coming winter months.

Woollens, and winter clothes damaged in the fire. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook Page of Goonj)

The organisation is trying to salvage whatever is left from the tragedy caused by crackers, something they have been campaigning against.

Taking out the damaged goods. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook Page of Goonj)

The fire has caused massive damage of materials and storage space.

Damage materials at Goonj. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook Page of Goonj)

Anshu Gupta of the Goonj told The Quint that the organisation needs to set up a place for storage before fresh help starts flowing in.

We do not need money. It is better if people start sending good quality materials. Even if they send money, it will be converted to materials.

<b>Anshu Gupta, Goonj</b>

Damaged goods at Goonj. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook Page of Goonj)

The helping hands of Goonj now need a helping hand. They have started a BitGiving campaign to raise money to repair the damages.