Pakistan flood airlift appeal from Tuesday's Child

Airlifts to Pakistan ready for take-off

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink…naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me” Matthew 25:35

please note that the appeal for airlift items
is now closed - thanks to all who donated.

news release, news release, news release, news release, news release.

DATE: Thursday 11th November 2010

VENUE: St Kevin’s Hall, North Queen St, Belfast

TIME : 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tuesday’s Child airlifts to Pakistan will depart from Belfast this Thursday carrying tonnes of aid to children in Pakistan who have been devastated by the Pakistan floods.

Teaming up with former Pakistan cricket captain, Imran Khan, also a Tuesday’s Child, and Pakistan Airlines, the airlifts will reach thousands of children in flood ravaged Pakistan.

The aid consignment will leave St Kevin’s Hall from on Thursday and travel overland from Belfast to Birmingham and then airlifted free-of-charge to Islamabad via Pakistan Airlines 757 planes. Overland haulage is also free-of-charge and kindly facilitated by two businessmen in Crumlin.

The consignment includes hampers of essential items for families, infants and children made up from donations of essential items from people in Belfast and across Northern Ireland. Hampers contain high-energy ready to use foods, water, high-energy drinks, blankets, health and hygiene items, new clothes, new shoes and school-bags. Hampers will be distributed directly to displaced families in North and South Pakistan.

The airlift appeal was supported by schools and churches in Belfast and communities across Northern Ireland and the charity has been overwhelmed by the sheer generosity and quality of goods received. The appeal was also supported by The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat Convery, who nominated Tuesday’s Child as one of his chosen charities for 2010/11 in September.

“We wish to thank everyone who has supported the airlift appeal especially all of the school-children who reached out to help babies and children in need in Pakistan”, said Orla Sheehan, chairperson of Tuesday’s Child. “Thanks also to local businesses including Ikea, Medicare Pharmacy, Antrim Hills Water, Rocwell, Tipperary Water, The Oasis Group and Sainsbury’s West Belfast, for their support. Special thanks also to The Ardoyne Association of The Flax Trust who co-ordinated an appeal through The Flax Centre and to Intercomm for the use of St Kevin’s Hall and to businessmen in Crumlin who are assisting transfers to Pakistan airlines. Special thanks to all of the volunteers who have worked so hard sorting and packing hampers since we launched our appeal in September”.

Michael Guerin, Director of the Medicare Pharmacy Group, who supported the appeal with donations of electrolyte replacement and family health items said "As a community based pharmacy group with an ethos based on caring for your health, we are delighted to be able to play our part in helping to bring relief for the many millions of unfortunate children currently suffering in flood ravaged Pakistan. May we wish those volunteers from Tuesday's Child travelling with the supplies to Pakistan, a safe and successful journey."

Speaking from Pakistan, Munawar Ahmad, co-ordinator of The Imran Khan Flood Relief Organisation said “It is great to hear that the airlifts are now ready for take-off. We and thousands of children here in Pakistan appreciate the support of Tuesday’s Child and the people of Northern Ireland. May God bless you all”.

The airlift appeal is now closed. The appeal for donations for Pakistan is still available on our website at www.tuesdayschild.org.uk. Tuesday’s Child gives 100 percent of monies received.

For further details please contact Orla Sheehan on 07545452362 or email orla@tuesdayschild.org.uk

Ends./

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