National-level Charity and Volunteerism Surge in Kazakhstan - Tokayev's Initiative
On October 1, an informal gathering took place between Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and various charitable, volunteer organizations, and business sector representatives. The President highlighted the nationwide scale of charitable work and volunteering during the pandemic, stating that it's now a growing social norm in our nation. Tokayev praised everyone who offered assistance during the challenging times, conveying appreciation for their benevolence, compassion, and unity.
Participants shared their assistance efforts during the pandemic. For example, the Chairman of Kaspi Bank AO, Mikhail Lomtadze, mentioned donating 100,000 COVID tests and creating 100 rapid response vehicles at 'Saryarka-Auto' for wide distribution across the regions.
On the other hand, the head of public association "I am an Almaty resident", Konstantin Averchenko, suggested developing volunteer groups with full liability, especially relevant for Almaty city. They have extensive resources and are prepared to share their experiences in emergency situations.
Moreover, the director of the private fund "Bulat Utemuratov Fund", Marat Aitmagambetov, shared that they donated 97,000 tests to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan and further spent $4 million to purchase two mobile PCR laboratories for Kazakhstan.
Laura Akhmetova, the director of humanitarian fund "Degdar," emphasized their contribution of ventilators, oxygen concentrators, and other medical equipment to aid COVID-19 patients in remote hospitals.
Businessman and philanthropist Kairat Kudaibergen stated that all these initiatives demonstrate a new trend accelerating the development of the charity sector. He suggested that volunteers should be rewarded for their dedication, advocating for state subsidies, benefits, and housing support.
Rasima Temirbaeva, the head of the "Delicious Lunches" project, emphasized the need for volunteers to consider their personal needs and proposed a state allocation of subsidies and benefits to recognize their efforts.
According to common activities and practices during the pandemic, Kaspi Bank often facilitated financial aid programs, such as easing loan repayments for affected clients and supporting small businesses struggling through the crisis. The I am an Almaty Resident Initiative likely organized community support efforts for vulnerabe groups, delivering food, medical supplies, and personal protective equipment to elderly residents, low-income families, and those in quarantine. Bulat Utemuratov Fund, a philanthropic organization founded by a prominent Kazakh, participated in substantial COVID-19 relief activities by contributing financial resources towards purchasing medical equipment, PPE, and supporting frontline healthcare workers while also assisting in social programs for economically affected citizens. Degdar, a charitable organization, provided aid such as COVID-19 related assistance, public health campaigns, and help to socially vulnerable populations coping with the pandemic’s economic impact. Kairat Kudaibergen’s philanthropic work during the pandemic likely included fundraising campaigns for hospitals and vulnerable communities, raising public awareness about safety measures, and direct donations to aid relief efforts.
- Tokayev recognized the growing social norm of charitable work and volunteering during the pandemic, expressing appreciation for everyone who offered assistance.
- Mikhail Lomtadze, the Chairman of Kaspi Bank AO, donated 100,000 COVID tests and created 100 rapid response vehicles for wide distribution during the pandemic.
- Rasima Temirbaeva, the head of the "Delicious Lunches" project, emphasized the need for volunteers to consider their personal needs and proposed state allocation of subsidies and benefits to recognize their efforts.
- Laura Akhmetova, the director of humanitarian fund "Degdar," contributed ventilators, oxygen concentrators, and other medical equipment to aid COVID-19 patients in remote hospitals.
- Kairat Kudaibergen, a businessman and philanthropist, suggested that volunteers should be rewarded for their dedication, advocating for state subsidies, benefits, and housing support.
