Pakistan flood appeal launched

An appeal has been launched in Harrow to raise £50,000 for victims of the Pakistan flood crisis.

The money will go towards building new homes for some of the poorest families hit by the floods, which have killed over 1,600 people.

Another 20 million people have been affected by the disaster, following the heaviest monsoon in 80 years.

Mohammed Rahman, from the Appeal team, told The HA1: "What we're really interested in is people just getting involved, not just from the Muslim or Pakistani community.

"Everybody's contributed very generously to the larger organisation. Everybody's got an affinity it seems with what's happening out there."

The Mayor of Harrow, Councillor Asad Omar, is also backing the appeal, with a team set to travel to Pakistan to find families that are most in need of help.

They will then use the money raised from Harrow to build 10 new brick houses for people who have lost their homes.

The response in Harrow has been so great that the team have already raised £10,000 to go towards their final target.

Mr Rahman added: "Lots of the aid agencies are building emergency shelters, but this is about a long term solution.

"Something which hopefully stands environmental damage, stand up to an earthquake, a house that will hopefully last a lifetime."

People wanting to get involved will be able to donate money through the appeal website - www.harrowfloodappeal.org.uk - from the start of next week.

Cash donations or cheques can also be left at the Mayor's office at the Civic Centre on Station Road.

The Appeal team say none of the money donated will be taken out to pay for volunteers, with every penny going towards the building work in Pakistan.

Source: THE HA1

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