The first event we set up was a quick six hour fundraiser, from 11am to 5am, at tamtams. We had prepared posters, donation boxes, and banners to hold up and around our necks. We managed to collect close to $600 in that time with the help of only 10 dedicated individuals (Madiken, Sarah, Bebul, Zain, Erum, Asma, Jaffer, Shahjahan, Currim, Umair, Rafae ) who persisted, insisted and spread awareness about the cause – so a big thank you to everyone who helped out. During the day we met a variety of different people consisting of those who worked at very active international and local NGOs (including Engineers Without Borders), people who were very concerned about the cause as well as those who were not aware about the trouble Pakistan is facing due to these catastrophic floods but took the time to learn about what has been going on, what we are trying to achieve and contributing towards the cause. It was extremely heartening to see how much the people of Montreal cared and contributed – merci to everyone who donated.
We would also like to thank that one mysterious man who showed up for only a few minutes second, gave us $60, and disappeared across the horizon. God bless you sir.
With all this and the backdrop of rain and the beats of tamtams, we would like to thank everyone who donated so generously (especially considering my weak attempts at speaking French) to help our country, Pakistan in this time of immense need. We will be back next Sunday.
It has to be noted however, that this is essentially a very small event and as much as the proceedings will help those they reach, they are not remotely enough to alleviate the disaster that Pakistan is facing at this point. This massive catastrophe has already been classified as rivalling the Indian Ocean tsunami in late 2004, the Haiti earthquake, and the 2005 Pakistan earthquake combined.
A statement from the Special Representative of Afghanistan and Pakistan from the United States:
“The United States said on Monday that the world’s response to the worst ever flood in Pakistan was not adequate and urged the international community to do more. “I am concerned that people do not see it as yet another catastrophe” that often beset Pakistan, US special representative Richard Holbrooke told a briefing in Washington. “It is a huge catastrophe.”
“It is not just talk. We are calling some of our allies and asking them to help,” Mr Holbrooke said, noting that the international community’s response to the flood was not adequate.
All funds raised from our efforts will be directed towards Sungi Development Foundation (http://www.sungi.org) and Nur Foundation (http://www.nurfoundation.org)
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