Abaseen Foundation's Annual Gala 2023 Raises £250,000
On Sunday, 26th of November, over 300 dedicated supporters of the Abaseen Foundation gathered at The Glass Marquee near Blackburn, for the charity’s Annual Gala 2023.
This event offered an occasion to reflect on the profound impact the charity is having in Northwest Pakistan. Supporters from Lancashire, Romford, Orpington, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Bradford, Pakistan, and beyond, came together in the spirit of hope and philanthropy, to raise funds in support of the Foundation’s vital projects.
Some notable donations and outcomes include:
A plot of land in Islamabad, valued at least £25,000, was generously gifted to fund the development of the Foundation’s degree college into an Abaseen Foundation University – a historic milestone for the organisation.
Over £25,000 was raised to fund the establishment of a new school for children residing and working on the brick kilns.
A donation exceeding £54,000 was put forward to kickstart the purchase and construction of a new health centre for the individuals living on the brick kilns.
The event garnered support for almost 100 new sponsors across the Foundation’s various schemes, including: feed a child; sponsor an apprentice; support an orphan and their family; and sponsor a girl to complete a degree.
The overall estimate, when finalised, is expected to reach an unprecedented £250,000 – a testament to the collective impact of Abaseen Foundation's community.
The event was opened by HM Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Amanda Parker JP, who expressed her pride in the people of Lancashire for their steadfast support.
Lord Wajid Khan highlighted the pivotal role played by the Pakistani diaspora in Lancashire, emphasising their positive impacts on Pakistan through their support of the Abaseen Foundation.
Professor StJohn Crean, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), reiterated the significance of the longstanding partnership between UCLan and Abaseen Foundation, committing to further support the charity's expansion into degree-level education and training health professionals.
Helen Bingley OBE DL JP, the CEO of Abaseen Foundation UK, expressed her gratitude, saying,
“It never fails to amaze me how the people of Lancashire and beyond continue to support the work we do in Northwest Pakistan. I give particular acknowledgement to the British born Pakistani community, who have taken ownership of the charity in the way they care so much for the people we support.”
The Gala served as a moment of celebration for recent successes, and a platform to consider the next steps in the charity’s journey. Abaseen Foundation is guided by the United Nations Global Sustainable Development Goals to focus on delivering education, healthcare, research, nutrition, relief, and climate projects in Northwest Pakistan.
Helen continued,
“We are very proud of our two of our most recent achievements.
First, following pressure from the community we serve and in partnership with the Benazir Bhutto Women’s University in Peshawar, we have set up a degree college for girls in this remote area close to the Afghanistan border.
Second, our new project, ‘From Tears to Smiles’, has been set up in memory of Fawziyah Javed, who was sadly murdered with her unborn child in 2021. Following a request and financial support from Fawziyah’s family, we have set up a scheme to support orphaned children. We provide support to the whole family with basic food and supplies, ensuring that orphans are not a burden to adoptive families.”
The success of the Annual Gala 2023 is a testament to the compassion of the Abaseen Foundation community. In reflecting on the achievements of the past year, we invite you to join us in making an even greater impact in 2024. Help us continue our mission by donating today and consider setting up a monthly donation to support our ongoing projects.
