The organization started its fund raising efforts with a cricket match on 7 August when Pakistani students from the ITC and UT gathered to watch the game and collect money. The free-of-charge event raised nearly € 1000 in initial relief money. Donations were immediately sent to the non-governmental agency, the Edhi Foundation that is the largest social welfare network in Pakistan and has an international charter to operate beyond its national borders.
Since this time, more donations have been filtering in from students, individuals, staff and members of the UT Mosque. PSA members distributed pamphlets in Dutch to increase awareness on the scope of the disaster and generate financial assistance from the local community.
‘The biggest challenge now,’ said Qureshi, ‘is not only to help the poor and needy people to stand on their feet but to protect children and infants against disease.’ UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has named the disaster ‘a slow-motion tsunami’ and urged the international community to help victims in a ‘progressive manner’.
Fund raising efforts are still underway by PSA members. Donations can be made to the Pakistani Students Association, bank account 618803280 (ABN AMRO).
In next week's edition of the International Page, read a special in-depth feature about the effects of the disaster on students at the university.
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Pakistan flood victims wade through dirty water. An estimated 1600 people have died in the natural disaster. (Photo: anonymous) |
