Two Pakistani Christmas Projects – Giving at Its Best
Two projects were undertaken in Pakistan at Christmas which raised the spirits of disadvantaged and poor families in Pakistan .
The first project was focused on the children of the catechists and of the staff at the National Catechist Training Centre at Khushpur. Many of the trainee catechists are married and their families accompany them to Khushpur for the duration of the three-year training program.
Funds donated to the 2023 Lasallian Foundation Christmas Appeal as well as funds from workplace giving were used to purchase warm blankets, clothing, mattresses and food for children at the crèche. The children were given their gifts by Santa, of course, and the families were treated to a Christmas luncheon. Br Shahzad, Principal of the National Catechist training Centre expressed his gratitude by saying, “Thank you for your support and commitment to the well being of these children. Your generosity has made a significant impact on their lives.”
The second Christmas project was coordinated by Brother Robin Younas and Pakistani Lasallian Youth who donated packages of flour, rice and cooking oil to local Christian families who work at brick kilns at the Malkhanwala and Samundri districts in Faisalabad. Due to fluctuating work and closures caused by weather conditions or lack of fuel, families in the are have been struggling to afford basic necessities.
The funds for the 100 family food packages and 200 children’s snack packs were purchased from funds donated by a De La Salle Brothers’ community in Australia and from donations received from the staff, students and parents at La Salle High School and College in Faisalabad. The Lasallian Youth worked in teams to purchase the food pack items, prepared and distributed the packs.
One of the families who received the food package said they often take out loans to help purchase daily food items. Br Robin Mughal, the Lasallian Youth Coordinator for Pakistan shared “It was a rewarding moment to see the smiling faces of the children as they received their own packages with snacks.”
The Lasallian Foundation congratulates the Lasallian Youth for their initiative in funding and implementing the Christmas outreach project, the generous donors in Australia who contributed to the Christmas Appeal and those Lasallian teachers who regularly contribute to the Lasallian Foundation through workplace giving.
