Not all heroes wear capes

AzuKo, like so many charities across the UK, has been hugely impacted by the cancellation of thousands of fundraising events due to COVID-19. In response, the organisers of the biggest mass participation sports events across the country have come together to create a new campaign to save the UK’s charities – The 2.6 Challenge.

AzuKo is protecting families living in abject poverty in Bangladesh during this crisis, and we reached out to supporters for help. You answered our call.

Team 26x26, with 26 members (23 people + 3 dogs from Hong Kong to Bangladesh, Italy, UK and USA) set themselves a target to walk/run/cycle every day from Sunday 19th April to reach 26 marathons distance (1097.17km) by Sunday 26th April.

“We are so lucky compared to many and anything we can do to raise funds to support those who need our help and also support the wonderful work undertaken by charities such as AzuKo, we will.”

— Hilary Battye

Not only did they reach their target - they smashed right through it, clocking up 30.7 marathons for AzuKo. Their spectacular efforts raised £3,104. These funds will deliver vital hygiene supplies to families in need, train local leaders in good hygiene, share virus prevention information and provide PPE for our frontline staff and volunteers.

Check out their inspiring (and gruelling!) journey on Facebook, and sponsor Team 26x26.

Coronavirus: a message from our Founder

We are facing a situation that is unprecedented in our lifetime. The outbreak of COVID-19, a new strain of coronavirus, is affecting people across the globe but it will undoubtedly hit the most vulnerable in our societies the hardest.

As much of the developed world shuts down in the face of the virus, millions in Bangladesh are ill-equipped to deal with what is to come.

Simple prevention measures such as handwashing with soap and social distancing are near impossible in slums which are densely crowded, with poor access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. Those living in poverty do not have savings to buy the necessary soap or sanitiser. Many are day labourers, if they do not work they do not get paid, and there is no safety net. The knock-on effects of a lockdown will almost certainly lead to extreme food shortages.

With only one COVID-19 testing facility for a population of 168 million, located in the capital Dhaka, cases remain undetected. Hospitals are without PPE, and I have been informed many clinics are turning people away and refusing to treat those with cold and pneumonia symptoms.

There is also a serious issue of misinformation, with rumours spreading about how to protect yourself against the virus using local methods such as eating raw garlic or drinking alcohol.

AzuKo has been working with vulnerable communities in Bangladesh for many years. We will do everything we can to support them now. We have launched an emergency appeal to protect those in acute poverty.

I know this is a difficult time for us all but if you are in a position to give – no matter how small – please do. Help us share virus prevention guidance, provide protective equipment and deliver vital hygiene supplies.

Here's how your donation will save lives:

• £29 pays for community banners sharing best practice, e.g. hand washing, social distancing

• £84 provides 300 x bars of soap, enough to protect a small village

• £125 provides 15 x protective equipment (face mask, gloves, hand sanitiser, apron) for our frontline staff

Read more about our COVID-19 response.

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AzuKo is going to be under extreme pressure over the coming months. It is becoming harder for us to raise the vital income needed to keep our charity going.

The postponement of major fundraising events, such as the London Marathon, is having a big impact. Because of social distancing restrictions we're not able to raise support directly with the public. Our corporate partners are feeling the strain, and trusts are overwhelmed by requests for help. If you can support AzuKo by increasing your current regular gift, or making a small one-off gift it will help us continue our vital work during the crisis, and beyond.

Thank you as ever for your continued support. Please look after yourself and those around you.

With gratitude,

Jo Ashbridge

Founder & CEO, AzuKo

Event: Designing Differently

We hosted an evening of inspirational talks from women who are designing differently. Women combining design and another discipline, or using design to create social and environmental impact, or changing the design landscape for future generations.

At this International Women’s Day event we wanted to challenge stereotypes, broaden perceptions and celebrate women's achievements.

Watch the live stream >

“It really struck a chord... finding ways to relate built and natural environments in mutually life-improving ways. A dream world to aspire to!”

— Jenny

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Speakers:

• Maria-Chiara Piccinelli (Co-founder & Director, PiM.studio Architects)

• Katrine Dalum Hesseldahl (Product Designer & PhD student, Burberry Material Futures Research Group at RCA)

• Philippa Battye (Architect, sculptor & endurance cyclist)

• Jay Morton (Associate, Bell Phillips Architects)

• Meriel Hunt (Art Director / Set Designer, House of Bop)

• Fiona MacDonald (Co-founder, MATT+FIONA)

• Jo Ashbridge (Founder & Director, AzuKo)

We drove discussions about the role of designers in a changing world, the importance of equality and diversity in the sector, and how women are challenging the status quo. We asked the audience, “what resonates with you?” This is what you told us:

Towards the end of the evening we invited everyone to make a pledge by choosing one women in your network to champion, and what action you will take to do so.

You were inspired by your female colleagues, mothers, relatives and leaders in your field. These women stood out to you for their bravery, creativity, passions and impact. Here are just a few of your pledges:

Tomorrow, I will…

• thank her in a public arena for the work she has done.

• visit her at least once a month and help her with my niece and nephew.

• share with colleagues my admiration for her leadership.

• say thank you.

• post about her on social media and promote the amazing work she does.

• ensure she has a voice in the national design event I’m organising.

• ask her what life was like.

“Thank you for organising the event... I left with a full heart.
”

— Maria

We’d like to thank our speakers, volunteers and attendees. Please share with us your pledge, and how you will help forge a gender equal world:

Tomorrow, I will...

How will you help forge a gender equal world?