Actor Siddharth and RJ Balaji turned real heroes by actively taking part in the Rain relief efforts when most parts of the city were devastated by severe rains and floods and lakhs of people stranded in roads and temporary shelters without basic amenities. They also supplied huge relief materials to Cuddalore, another district of Tamil Nadu which was severely affected by rains and floods.

Now they have started focusing on the rehabilitation of the rain-affected people. They have teamed up with like-minded volunteers and NGOs and formed the Chennai Micro Project. They have received huge donations from generous people across the world and have big plans for rehabilitation.

In the following Press statement explains the background of Chennai Micro and its future plans.

"When we started out, our focus was on rescue operations. Later, we got involved in the much-needed relief work. The team drew its strength from the active participation of thousands of selfless volunteers, some corporates and eminent individuals who lent tireless support at a time when the city needed it most. Our hardworking ground teams ensured that the vulnerable received drinking water, hot packed food, biscuits, diapers, sanitary napkins, medicines, milk powder, blankets, mats, mosquito repellents, coils and clothes, among other crucial things.

About 5700 amazing on-the-ground volunteers of the Chennai Micro team reached out to various flood-affected areas in Chennai and Cuddalore, with relief material. . These committed and dedicated people provided momentum to our movement. In all, 24,500 volunteers lent us their time online too, helping us in #ChennaiMicro movement!

We were incredibly touched to receive over 100 trucks containing life-giving relief material from Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and beyond! To bring in order and better organisational capabilities, we established seven centres for relief work, where material was collected and distributed. We also had one main centre, the information hub, was powered by an efficient team that helped with the crucial work of collecting and verified requirements and immediately fulfilling them.

In all, we received relief material worth around Rs. 6 crore to 7 crore. What stood out was not the monetary value but the timely, invaluable contribution of the people who opened up their hearts and wallets. This has been a truly revelatory moment about the amazing spirit of our people!

Fundraising and the way forward

We, at Chennai Micro, have realised the amazing power of humanity and the mountains it can move. We have received a whopping Rs. 3, 39, 18,793 from across the world as contributions to the V Trust and have now officially stopped receiving funds.

We have signed an MOU with Aid India, a reputed non-profit organization. We will work with them towards rehabilitation measures such as a) Health/Malnutrition b) Rebuilding/Repair & c) Sanitation - in flood-affected areas in Cuddalore and Kalpakkam. Our team has so far identified 50 villages that need our attention; we will offer them our support over the next 6 to 12 months.

We want this fund to reach the neediest; we have identified seven orphanages and one animal shelter. We will partner with more such organisations through our dedicated team. Our aim is to rebuild, refurbish, and meet the other infrastructural needs of these places, besides total livelihood rehabilitation in old-age homes. Chennai Micro also facilitated the augmentation of funds for Bhumika Trust (which has recognition for acceptance of foreign contributions). The Trust is engaged in providing extensive relief work and rehab through small entrepreneur programmes.

We learnt of the untimely deaths of Bharath and Imran, two amazing human beings who lost their lives during volunteering and rescue operations (not related to Chennai Micro). We salute their spirit and would like to offer their families a solatium of Rs.3 lakhs each.

The Chennai Micro movement would not have succeeded without the inspiring, amazing people who make up our home, the city of Chennai. We have a long-term goal to continue working towards creating livelihoods for the underprivileged through Chennai Micro. Chennai, please help us keep this spirit aglow. Stay ALIVE…"

Actor Siddharth and RJ Balaji turned real heroes by actively taking part in the Rain relief efforts when most parts of the city were devastated by severe rains and floods and lakhs of people stranded in roads and temporary shelters without basic amenities.....