Sada-e-Watan Sydney ™
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Edhi
International Foundation's Fundraising Dinner at Campbelltown Civic Centre
Sydney
(Coverage
By: Syed Zafar Hussain, Editor-in-Chief Sada-e-Watan Sydney)
Edhi
International Foundation held an entertaining fundraising evening on Saturday, 3
April 2010 in Campbelltown Civic Hall. Through a fantastic team of volunteers,
Asif Iqbal coordinated a gathering of over 200 people for the event. The lively
audience was entertained by an extraordinarily talented line up of singers that
included Mehreen Javed, Sania Saeed, Priyanka Rao, Wasim Shah and Zia Hussain.
The evening was pleasantly hosted by our very own, Abeer Khwaja and Deyyan Jafar.
Abeer, a law graduate and Deyyan – year 9 student & an ardent fan of cricket
flawlessly presented the evening to the liking of a very supportive audience.
The evening commenced with the recitation of relevant – to – occasion section of
Quraan e Pak by Shakeeb Ahmed .On behalf of Edhi International Foundation, Asif
Iqbal welcomed the guests, thanked them for their generosity in donations,
sponsorship and participation. In his brief introductory speech, Mr.Asif also
informed the audience about future endeavours planned by Australian chapter
aimed at further improving awareness about Edhi Foundation, its cause and
fundraising activities. Asif thanked Edhi International Foundation Australia
Chairman, Zia Qureshi; Trustees, Riaz Malik and Khalil Allahwala for their
determined efforts for the Foundation. He also acknowledged the support of Hamid
Khan, Iqbal Malik, Faheem Jafar, Qasim Malik and other volunteers in making the
event possible. Mr Ejaz Ahmed, Ex Consulate General of Pakistan, Sydney and a
keen volunteer was formally welcomed into the management group of Edhi
Australia.
Asif’s speech was followed by a very informative presentation about Edhi
Foundation by Usaid Allahwalla. Given Edhi family’s prominent role in
humanitarian work, Usaid’s presentation was received with great interest by
young and old. Zia Hussain started the first part of the musical performances
with one of his most melodious songs – what a great singer he is! Mehreen,
Priyanka, Sania and Wasim’s performances followed and entertained the audience
with the popular songs of the day and the yesteryears.
A mouth-watering dinner was catered by the local caterers Asma and Awais for the
occasion.
After dinner, Dr Shabbir Haider took the stage and amused the audience with his
lively poetry. Dr Haider was then called upon to hand out the awards of the
evening. The organizer did a superb job of recognising all of the singers for
their contribution to the event.. Abeer and Deyyan called the awards.
Special awards were also given to young volunteers - Suneera Kiyani and Yasir
Jafar for their behind the scenes hard work contributing immensely to the
success of this event and to Abeer and Deyyan for their maiden stint as the
host. Hats off to our young generation!
After dessert break, the musical performances continued. Singers performed some
of the songs requested by members of the audience towards the end of the event.
The function draw to a close at about 11:30PM and Asif thanked the guests,
singers, the sponsors and the volunteers of the event.
