Bridging Human Rights: Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities and Older People
On December 5, 2024, Lahore, Pakistan, became the hub for an inspiring seminar, “Bridging Human Rights: Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Older People,” organized by Buzurg Dost Network (BDN) Punjab, Foundation for Ageing and Inclusive Development (FAID), HelpAge International, and the Rural Community Development Society (RCDS). This seminar was held to honor the […]
FAID Distributes Winterization Kits to Needy Older People Amid Harsh Winter
Islamabad: As Pakistan experiences a severe winter with below-normal temperatures and increased rainfall, FAID has initiated a crucial intervention to support the vulnerable elderly population. The extreme cold weather has heightened the risks for older individuals, particularly those without proper shelter, living on the streets, or in slums.
In a bid to provide immediate relief, FAID launched a two-week fundraising campaign in December. The initiative successfully raised approximately USD 800, thanks to the generosity of individuals both within Pakistan and abroad. The fundraising efforts were driven by the personal networks of FAID staff, as well as a robust social media campaign across WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook.
The funds raised enabled FAID to distribute winterization kits to 117 needy older people, including 69 men and 48 women. The kits comprised warm caps, shawls, socks, and quilts. Additionally, some recipients were provided with extra quilts to shield them from the biting cold.
Initially targeting Islamabad and its suburbs, as well as one area in Peshawar, the distribution covered Bari Imam and Banigala in Islamabad, and the village of Palosai in Peshawar. This focused approach was aimed at ensuring effective and immediate relief to those most in need.
FAID’s successful campaign underscores the importance of community support and swift action in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. Building on this experience, FAID plans to organize more fundraising campaigns to expand its reach and support more of the country’s vulnerable elderly.
FAID expresses gratitude to all donors and supporters for their contributions, which have provided much-needed warmth and relief to the elderly during this challenging winter season.
This Ramzan, Support Older People’s Sehar and Iftar!
Older people and persons with disabilities headed households are suffering due to Covid pandemic. To support older people, FAID with the support of its Buzurg Dost donors and volunteers initiated “This Ramazan, Support Older People’s Sehar and Iftar” campaign.
In this program, FAID has started distribution of Ramzan food packs to deserving older people headed families in Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and up till now food packs are distributed to 50 household (23 females, 27males). FAID aims at providing food packs to 1000 deserving families for Ramazan across Pakistan.
“We can’t thank you enough to FAID for providing us food packs in Ramazan. Due to this pandemic, we are suffering greatly. In this difficult time, this food aid is a great relief. I urge FAID to help as many households as they can and make Ramazan easy for vulnerable people. My prayers are with FAID” a gratitude message from a beneficiary.
FAID Restores Vision for Kandhra Villager with Free Eye Surgery
Mr. Faiz Mohammad Palhh, a resident of Kandhra Village near Rohri, Pakistan, depends on agriculture for his family’s livelihood. With a modest income that barely covers daily needs, Mr. Faiz enjoys reciting the Holy Quran and reading newspapers. However, he began experiencing blurriness in his vision, particularly while engaging in these activities, making it difficult to continue his cherished routines.
Faced with worsening vision, Mr. Faiz shared his concerns with his family. His son took him to a local doctor for an eye checkup. Unfortunately, the diagnosis revealed the need for eye surgery, but the family’s financial constraints made it challenging to afford the procedure. The doctor informed them that Al Shifa Eye Trust offers free eye surgeries, which provided a glimmer of hope.
Given the limited healthcare options in their area, with only two hospitals performing eye surgeries—Al Shifa Eye Trust and Eye Hospital Gumbat—the family chose to approach Al Shifa Eye Trust. The hospital agreed to take on Mr. Faiz’s case and informed them that FAID supports eye surgeries for those in need. With FAID’s support, Mr. Faiz underwent successful eye surgery.
Post-surgery, Mr. Faiz’s vision was fully restored, allowing him to return to his daily life and continue his activities with ease. The successful operation not only improved his quality of life but also brought back the joy of reciting the Holy Quran and reading newspapers.
Mr. Faiz expresses his heartfelt gratitude to FAID and Al Shifa Eye Trust for their unwavering support throughout the process. Their assistance was instrumental in restoring his eyesight and enhancing his quality of life. He prays for blessings and rewards for their generous efforts.
Mr. Faiz Mohammad Palhh’s story highlights the profound impact of FAID’s support in transforming lives. By providing critical medical assistance, FAID helps individuals like Mr. Faiz regain their independence and continue their cherished activities, reaffirming its commitment to improving lives through compassionate intervention.
FAID Brings Hope as Mumtaz Khatoon’s Vision is Restored
Mumtaz Khatoon, a resident of Mirpur Mathello Ghotki, hails from a low-income family reliant on agriculture and livestock. As the primary caretaker, she shoulders all financial and household responsibilities, with her children and family members depending on her.
One day, Mumtaz experienced a sharp pain in her eye while working, which progressively worsened, hindering her ability to perform daily chores and fulfill her responsibilities. A visit to the doctor revealed she had a cataract and required surgery. However, the financial burden of the operation was beyond her means. Desperate for a solution, Mumtaz and her family reached out to relatives for help.
A relative informed Mumtaz about Al Shifa Eye Trust Hospital, where she learned about FAID’s support for urgent eye surgeries. Al Shifa Eye Trust Hospital accommodated her and facilitated the surgery with the support of FAID.
After the successful eye surgery, Mumtaz’s vision was restored, allowing her to resume her daily activities and responsibilities. This life-changing intervention not only improved her quality of life but also ensured the well-being of her entire family.
Mumtaz expresses her heartfelt gratitude to FAID and Al Shifa Eye Trust for their timely assistance and support. Their intervention brought back her eyesight and provided her with the means to continue supporting her family.
Mumtaz Khatoon’s story exemplifies the profound impact FAID’s support can have on individuals and their families. By addressing urgent medical needs, FAID continues to transform lives, bringing hope and relief to those in need.
