ISLAMABAD - To appreciate and recognise the services rendered by volunteers at the time of natural calamities and disasters, Karwan Development Foundation (KDF), a non-profit organisation, organised an event entitled 'Greetings to Great Gems' here on Sunday.
In the event, special certificates were awarded among the volunteers who were termed as 'great gems' and partners for their unflinching support towards humanity at the time of need. The annual event was held to acknowledge the efforts and contribution of volunteers who contributed their time and determination in different programmes at Nowshera, Charsadda, Muzaffarabad and twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. These volunteers supported in orphan support programme, tree plantation, CBDRR and skill development centres.
Chairman KDF Syed Abid Gillani chaired the function while chairman of board Danish Muslim Aid (DMA) was guest of honour and general secretary DMA Abdul Wahid Pedersen was invited as chief guest. Zaydan Khan who is well known in development sector and a leading trainer was the guest speaker. He talked about the concept and importance of volunteers.
Addressing the function, general secretary DMA Abdul Wahid said that they are Muslims and they need to follow Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) who did a great job for spreading a message of Allah. "The prophet spent his whole life for the betterment of humanity and he is the best example to follow. So if volunteers will do their work to please Allah, they will be the followers of the Prophet (SAW)," he added.
Chairman KDF Abid Gillani said that they are doing social work not as a profession but as a passion. "We are successful if we could make a few lives better. Our enrolled orphans are our kids and we will do everything to make them better citizens," remarked Gilani.
KDF General Secretary Taqweem Anwar said that their volunteers assisted in their activities in areas where they were confronted with tough challenges, at places where no one else was willing to step forward and help.
Besides thanking the local and international donors and partners for their moral and financial assistance, Taqweem encouraged the participants to do their best for public welfare in whatever capacity they could. He informed the participants that KDF is engaged in disaster's relief, rehabilitation, education, water and sanitation, and orphan sponsorship programmes based in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK).
Representatives from a number of development sector organisations and significant civil society members were also among the participants during the ceremony.