ALKHOBAR: A large number of Pakistani expatriates gathered at Rezayat Compound here at the weekend to attend a colorful event hosted by a newly founded Pakistani Helping Hand (PHH) charity group.
Kausar Owais, chairwoman and founding member of the group, said concerned members of the Pakistani community established the group after noticing the hardships faced by members of the community in the Eastern Province as a result of the global recession.
"PHH is a way to give back to the community. We have to build a platform to bring people together. People give lots of charity on an individual basis, but we thought if everybody came together and built a support group under one umbrella, we could then provide more money and assistance to a larger number of people," said Owais.
PHH was established as a volunteer organization. The charity aims to focus on three specific problems that the Pakistani overseas community faces: Unemployment, medical assistance and educational assistance.
With many projects in the works, PHH is trying to establish a medical camp for poor Pakistanis to provide them with medical checkups, as well as monetary support at times of emergencies.
PHH is also offering assistance to Pakistani schools in the Eastern Province, such as assisting with teacher development, or paying for children's tuition fees. "Those who are genuinely needy don't come to you, so you have to go out and seek them," said Majida Khwaja, one of the group's founding members.
The group has also launched a website (www.pakhelpinghand.info) to reach out to the community. The website not only provides information on how PHH can offer help, it also encourages those seeking assistance to log on and identify their needs.
"PHH is providing a platform to those who wish to contribute to the less fortunate by bringing people together, helping individuals and families and raising money for them," said PHH's Treasurer Nadeem Khwaja.
Ashir Siddiqui, another founding member, stressed that the group has no political agenda and only wants to provide viable solutions to those in need. He added that the group wants to create a sense of community and bring Pakistani expatriates living in the Eastern Province together to help other needy Pakistanis.
