Community Articles (listed by posting date)
General News · 16th February 2024
Chako
Raising funds to purchase e-Sims for the NGO, Connecting Gaza
Like so many, I've been deeply affected by everything that's happening in Gaza. The daily heartbreak of bearing witness has made me determined to help in whatever way I can, so I am currently raising money to buy, and maintain, e-Sims for folks in Gaza. If you've been similarly moved and are looking for a way to help, but haven't been sure how, this is a great way that has a fairly immediate impact.
With the ongoing telecommunications blackouts in Gaza, e-Sims (virtual SIM cards) are currently the best way to keep Palestians connected, both within Gaza and to the rest of the world.
Writer and activist Mirna El Helbawi began the initiative, Connecting Gaza, in late October, 2023, and since then has been able to send 150,000 e-Sims to Gaza. While that number is incredible, so many more are still needed, especially with what's currently happening in Rafah. 1.5 million people are currently displaced and without means of communication, a basic human right that they are being denied.
There are many different e-Sim companies that offer coverage to the area, I've chosen NOMAD for my first batch and will use SIMLY for my second.
I know technology, finances, stable internet and time are all potential barriers in donating e-Sims, so I have been raising money to purchase e-Sims and maintain them myself. I do my best to keep all contributors updated with amounts raised, spent, maintenance and the current status of each e-Sim.
For transparency, since February 6th, I've raised $1077 and spent $727.10. This has allowed me to purchase 10 e-Sims, and top-ups for the 8 that are active. The cost per GB is roughly $6 CAD.
If you would like contribute, funds can be sent via e-transfer (I have auto-deposit) or PayPal (please use Friends and Family option) to hstryckgmail.com.
Please include in the notes that the money is for e-Sims, and your email if you would like updates.
If you have any questions, or would like to know how to purchase and maintain your own e-Sim, please don't hesitate to reach out by email.
Thank you for reading.
In solidarity,
Chako
Like so many, I've been deeply affected by everything that's happening in Gaza. The daily heartbreak of bearing witness has made me determined to help in whatever way I can, so I am currently raising money to buy, and maintain, e-Sims for folks in Gaza. If you've been similarly moved and are looking for a way to help, but haven't been sure how, this is a great way that has a fairly immediate impact.
With the ongoing telecommunications blackouts in Gaza, e-Sims (virtual SIM cards) are currently the best way to keep Palestians connected, both within Gaza and to the rest of the world.
Writer and activist Mirna El Helbawi began the initiative, Connecting Gaza, in late October, 2023, and since then has been able to send 150,000 e-Sims to Gaza. While that number is incredible, so many more are still needed, especially with what's currently happening in Rafah. 1.5 million people are currently displaced and without means of communication, a basic human right that they are being denied.
There are many different e-Sim companies that offer coverage to the area, I've chosen NOMAD for my first batch and will use SIMLY for my second.
I know technology, finances, stable internet and time are all potential barriers in donating e-Sims, so I have been raising money to purchase e-Sims and maintain them myself. I do my best to keep all contributors updated with amounts raised, spent, maintenance and the current status of each e-Sim.
For transparency, since February 6th, I've raised $1077 and spent $727.10. This has allowed me to purchase 10 e-Sims, and top-ups for the 8 that are active. The cost per GB is roughly $6 CAD.
If you would like contribute, funds can be sent via e-transfer (I have auto-deposit) or PayPal (please use Friends and Family option) to hstryckgmail.com.
Please include in the notes that the money is for e-Sims, and your email if you would like updates.
If you have any questions, or would like to know how to purchase and maintain your own e-Sim, please don't hesitate to reach out by email.
Thank you for reading.
In solidarity,
Chako