Client News: Charity Pulls Out All The Stops to Help Pakistan Flood Victims
The recent floods in Pakistan have seen over 1000 killed, 700,000 farm animals drowned, and over 30 million people affected.
And while the UK Government have committed £1.5m to relief efforts, this will not go far nearly far enough according to charity boss Helen Bingley.
Bingley, Chief Executive of Abaseen Foundation, was made OBE by The Queen in 2019 for services to charity, and appointed Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Lancashire later that year.
Bingley said: “£1.5 million is a lot of money but it simply isn’t going to cut it. This is the worst flood to ever hit Pakistan – over one third of the country is underwater. We’ve been working in the north for years to try and alleviate poverty. I’m worried that this is going to set communities back years – possibly decades.”
In response, Abaseen Foundation is aiming to raise £20,000 to support its team on the ground. Initial rescue and support is the main aim, and then a longer term plan will be developed to help people rebuild their lives. The team has been working since Saturday supporting nearly 2000 people, of all ages, from all walks of life. The team have been providing clean water and cooking meals and rendering any other support they can.
Bingley continued: “We’re only a small charity so we’re limited in what we can do but every penny really will help, and I am so grateful to everybody and every business who has already contributed.”
The charity has already raised just over £10,000 thanks to a rapid-response campaign rolled out on its website.
“We’ve had donations from all over the UK, mostly online, but we’ve also had bank transfers, cash and cheques. It just goes to show that even in these very unsure financial times, Brits are generous and determined to help those in dire situations,” Bingly added, “I’m confident we’ll reach the £20,000 and and when we do – we’ll start again and focus on a different area. There’s certainly no shortage of people to help.”
Abaseen Foundation mainly focuses on education, health and scientific research in fields of nutrition, food security and health. The charity has built several schools and a hospital in Pakistan, and in 2018 was the recipient of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Media Contact:
Chris Graham
chris@tmd.scot
Notes to Editors:
1) Helen Bingley OBE DL founded Abaseen Foundation in 2000 with her late husband, William Bingley.
2) Helen is available for interview on this subject
3) A pack of photos is available here: https://www.tmdassets.co.uk/temp/Abaseen%20Foundation%20photos.zip
4) Donations can be made via https://bit.ly/PKPFloodAppeal
