Harrow mayor Asad Omar's Pakistan flood appeal needs a miracle (From Harrow Times)

Pakistan flood appeal needs a miracle

1:51pm Monday 18th October 2010

• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

TIME is running out on a campaign to build houses for ten families left homeless by the Pakistan floods.

Mayor of Harrow Councillor Asad Omar launched a bid in late October to raise £50,000 to help some of those worst affected by the disaster, which killed around 1,600 people and left 20 million homeless.

The campaign has so far raised £32,000 and organisers have been to Pakistan to decide who in the Kohistan region will benefit from the money.

But snow is starting to fall in parts of Pakistan and if the outer shells of the houses are not completed before November when the bitterly cold winter starts to set in, construction may have to shut down.

Mohammed Rahman, an organiser of the campaign, said: “In terms of the funds coming in, its levelled off.

“Regardless of that, we've started the work because we didn't want to hang around. Winter is on its way now and the snow is starting to creep in.

“We should be able to get to £40,000 within the next month but to get to £50,000 by the end of 2010 will be difficult unless something miraculous happens.”

There will be an autumn fair to raise money on Sunday at North Harrow Assembly Halls from 11am to 3pm, featuring martial arts displays, a raffle, bouncy castle and a barbeque.

All volunteers will pay their own expenses, including to fly out to the country to help, meaning 100 per cent of the money raised will go to helping those in need.

Anyone wishing to donate can make out a cheque to the Mayor of Harrow's Pakistan Flood Appeal and send it to the Mayor's Parlour, Harrow Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow.

Alternatively visit www.harrowfloodappeal.org.uk for other ways to give money.