The UDC feels it is important to overcome cultural barriers, build relationships and prioritise the welfare of our fellow human beings who have been affected by these tragedies.
The Pakistan earthquake of 2005 left 85,000 dead and over 100,000 injured. Many of the injured were left paralysed or had limbs amputated and were unable to support their families.
In the region of Abbotabad, there is a great need for prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs and shelters. The rehabilitation clinic is supported and overseen by the Limbless Association who assist the seven doctors and have helped treat hundreds of patients. It only cots £2000 per month to run but as of March 2008 there were no funds left.
UK fundraising is carried out by Light 4 Life, a charity recently formed by Dr Nadeem Bhatti (Glasgow), Dr Khalid Malik (Glasgow), Dr Zafar Khan (London) and Dr Mohammad Nasir(London) along with other concerned community members from all cultural backgrounds. They have spent considerable time in Abbotabad providing as much medical care as they can.
The most remote villages have still redcieved no aid. Progress is hampered by lack of funds, bureacracy and lack of media coverage. Notably, much of the financial aid has taken the form of of reductions to Pakistan's debt, with no funds reaching the victims.
Following the success of first Shuffle nightclub event in March 2006, UDC representative Carrie Robinson attended a Light 4 Life conference proving very valuable for information sharing and strengthening relationships. It enabled UDC to host more events and continue to send money to the forgotten victims in Pakistan.
The UDC urges people to help in any way they can. Please remember:
A family home for six people costs as little as £200. A school can be built for as little as £3000.
Donations can be made out to Light 4 Life, c/o Dr Zafar Khan, Limbless Association, Roehampton Rehabilitation Centre, Roehampton Lane, London, SW15 5PR.
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