The Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) – a consortium of 15 leading aid charities – has raised £13.5 million for Pakistan’s relief efforts.
CEO Saleh Saeed told Sky News the money was raised in just over two days – and it was all thanks to the “hard efforts” shown from his teams.
DEC has 11 organizations operating in the field, with the help of the Pakistani government and the United Nations.
Behind the scenes, a lot of hard work, creative effort, and relentless swings have helped fuel fundraising efforts.
Led by the UK’s British Muslim community – who have worked hard to help deliver emergency aid to the displaced people of Pakistan.
Islamic Relief is one of the main charities supported by the DEC – fundraisers can be found in every other mosque.
At Finsbury Park Mosque alone, up to £6,000 was raised in less than an hour. Despite the cost of living crisis, people are digging deep.
Imam Jamal Abdinasir
Mr. Jamal Abdinasir, Mr. Jamal Abdinasir, suggests that empathy – as well as charity – should be the driving force for all Muslims.
He said: “Allah tests different people in different ways. Tomorrow may be a flood, a famine, a drought, a famine… any difficulty.
“We don’t want it to be us. And if it were us, we would find rest in the fact that there are our brothers and sisters around the world who will help.”
Road washed away by flood in Pakistan
Read more: Men walk 20 miles from a remote town to feed their stranded family
Pakistan had a hard time – and then the floods hit.
The destructive monsoon rain has left more than a third of the country under water, and more than 1,200 people died.
The people of Pakistan have lost their lives, land and livelihoods.
Flooding has had a devastating impact – and the South Asian country is grappling with the aftermath of this disaster.
It’s too early to talk about rebuilding.
There’s more rain on the horizon – and everyone has lost everything.
But fundraisers are hoping to make the lives of those affected a little easier – in the interim – where they can.
Azizur Rahman, one of the Muslim fundraisers, told Sky News: “Our collection will help deliver emergency aid to vulnerable people. From food packages to hygiene kits emergency, and put people in shelters.
“A lot of people have lost their homes, so we’re building temporary shelters for people, so they have a safe space to live in.”
The generosity from this community is not surprising.
In 2013, British Muslims were among the most generous, topping a poll of religious groups that donate to charity.
Young children – spending their own money – are among the givers.
In a rather simple, but poignant comment, Selina Khaider, who can’t be more than ten years old, emphasizes the importance of compassion.
“Some of them have no food. They are suffering.
“We should help them. It would be very kind.”
