A new social initiative Quarancharity was born out of generosity during the COVID-19 crisis. Brainchild of marketing consultant Pri Shewakramani and social media influencer Scherezade Shroff, Quarancharity has been conceptualised to provide urgent help to people and animals suffering during the COVID-19 lockdown through
individuals signing up for curated cooking classes, workouts, photography, interior consulting, personal styling sessions and other experiences that can be enjoyed online from the safety of our home.
The cost of each session ranges from INR 500 (USD 7) to INR 2,000 (USD 28) and all proceeds are donated to charities. Habitat for Humanity India is one of Quarancharity’s trusted partners. We had the opportunity to interview Pri Shewakramani about what inspired her to launch Quarancharity.
Q. What do you feel about the state of COVID-19 and the lockdown in our country?
Currently there are too many people without jobs as a result of businesses shutting or scaling down. People don’t have enough for basic necessities, all while dealing
with the fear of the pandemic. Reading articles on migrant labourers walking home made me realise the gravity of the situation.
Q. What prompted you to think of Quarancharity as an initiative?
I work as a marketing consultant and a few of my clients were shut the first few days of the lockdown. I began thinking of how many people with great talent are sitting at home while their businesses are shut. I thought of creating a value chain where people can learn a new skill while donating to a cause and the host gets a chance to donate their time.
Q. What do you think other people should know about Quarancharity?
We have a lot of people to thank: hosts, donors, supporters, volunteers and our lovely team - Sherry Shroff, Rohan Shewakramani and Manali Parekh.
Q. Is there a particular moment or memory that stands out for you?
For me getting Ankur Tewari to do a thank you concert was one of the best moments of Quarancharity.
Q. Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
I think raising 45 lakhs overall through Quarancharity in support of NGOs such as Habitat for Humanity India - for me it’s an achievement I never thought possible!
Q. How has this changed you and/ or your perspective?
It’s given me hope in people and the belief that kindness can prevail. Also, it’s made me realise that we need to include charity as part of our daily life and not just when tragedy strikes.
Q. Would you do it again?
Yes, I would do it again! The fact that we have managed to feed so many families and animals has made it all worth it!
Habitat for Humanity India would like to thank the Quarancharity team of Pri Shewakramani, Sherry Shroff, Rohan Shewakramani and Manali Parekh as well as all the following wonderful individuals who donated their time and effort to raise money for our cause:
Aastha Sharma
Akshay Tyagi
Alex Sanchez
Amrita Samant
Anaita Shroff Adajania
Anjali Mody
Ankur Tewari
Ashiesh Shah
Dimi Lezinska
Divia Thani
Dr. Suma Sudhindra
Ewan Gunn
Gaurav Gupta
Gauri Devidayal
Gil Antolin
Ishani Vellodi Reddy
Ishita Pateria
Joseph Radhik
Joshua Karthik
Karishma Boolani
Kelvin Cheung
Manish Malhotra
Mohit Rai
Namrata Sudhindra
Pernia Qureshi
Physique 57 Mumbai
Rahul Akerkar
Saransh Goila
Sarvesh Shashi
Savleen Manchanda
Shilarna Vaze
Sujata Assomull
Tanya Ghavri
Thomas Zachariah
Vidur Gupta
Yasmin Karachiwala
