Ottawa (June 5, 2009) - Today, HCI dispatched a massive medical aid package, of more than half a million dollars, retail value, worth of life saving medicines and supplies to help the sick, injured and malnourished Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs) in Northern Pakistan.
Thanks to our partner, Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC), who helped procure these items, thousands of people will benefit from this package. Our heartfelt thanks go also to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for airlifting this package "free of cost".
The aid package will be received at Islamabad airport wherefrom HCI personnel will transport it to HCI field office and to the IDPs camps.
"The tremendous response we had to our Appeal to help the IDPs in Northern Pakistan demonstrates the Canadian value of care and compassion. Whenever a tragedy occurs, we open our hearts and give generously," said Mr. Kaleem Akhtar, Executive Director of HCI.
HCI personnel are already working on the ground. HCI Regional office in Pakistan is undertaking relief activities. The Medical teams were mobilized to reach IDPs camps. HCI's ongoing relief operations were expanded to include the Swat, Dir and Buner IDPs. Our fully-staffed and fully-equipped mobile clinic has been serving the sick, injured and malnourished families. Food hampers are provided to those who are forced to take shelter in several schools. HCI has also started providing cooked food containing tea, bread, curry, meat, rice, pulses and vegetables. On a daily basis 1,450 people are the beneficiaries of our cooked food program. Also, we have started temporary school program for the children in four camps. Kids are also provided with the stationeries.
HCI's volunteers, reps, staff are working hard to raise funds. Various telethons were conducted in GTA during which people ledged thousands of dollars.
Two fundraising programs will be held next week: Saturday, June 13th in Toronto and Sunday, June 14th in Ottawa.
HCI is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to help alleviate human suffering through sustainable development projects and emergency relief assistance programs that foster self-reliance and preserve human dignity. Since 1980, HCI has safely and effectively provided assistance in the tune of 70 million dollars to the poor and strife-torn regions.
HCI is accepting donations online http://www.humanconcern.org/gaza.php, by phone at 1-800-587-6424 and by mail at 877 Shefford Road, Ottawa, ON K1J 8H9.
Contact: Mr. Kaleem Akhtar, Executive Director, by Phone: (613) 742-5948, ext. #25, Fax: (613) 742-7733, E-mail address: kaleem@humanconcern.org