Mahvash & Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation in collaboration with US Based Walkabout Foundation and assisted by Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP) and other NGO’s across the country distributed 250 specially customized wheelchairs to the flood affectees.
To mark this occasion, Atif Shaikh – Special Talent Exchange Program, Zaid Haroon – Mahvash & Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation, James Cerven – US Embassy Islamabad, Dan Welsh – British High Commission, and many other notable dignitaries were present and spoke regarding the initiative.
Mr Atif Shaikh, President Special Talent Exchange Program noted, “It is Walkabout Foundation’s second time in Pakistan, but these 250 customized wheelchairs, which are donated and delivered in conjunction with the Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation, is part of a larger project to collectively donate thousands of wheelchairs in the next few years to come” and he also added, “this is a unique initiative in a way that persons with disabilities have been directly engaged throughout the process”.
Mr. Zaid Haroon, Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation commented, “Such initiatives are a small step towards ensuring the lives of all the citizens of Pakistan especially those disabled is based on equality and basic rights such as mobility are ensured. He further added that, the Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation has always been in the forefront to support and initiate such endeavors and looks forward to playing an even bigger role in the future”. The Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that aims to provide healthcare, education and social enterprise through sustainable development to underprivileged members of society with a special focus on women, minorities, children and disabled individuals.
Mr. James Cerven, US Embassy Islamabad appreciated the noble efforts of Walkabout Foundation, Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation and Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP). He also emphasized that this is a very important step that is making disability less of a hindrance and such steps would go a long way in addressing the problems being faced by disabled people in Pakistan. They look forward to continue promoting such initiatives for the social development of the Pakistani society.
Mr. Dan Walsh, British High Commission commented, “Great work is being done by Mahvash & Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation and Walkabout Foundation and it clearly shows there is work to be done to overcome the barriers to access. As part of our work, we look forward to seeking ways to collaborate together regarding disability in the country”
The Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation and JS Bank have been a strong advocate of various philanthropic activities in the past as well, including extensive relief efforts in the 2005 earthquake, 2008 IDP crisis and 2010 onwards regarding the ongoing monsoon floods.
Walkabout Foundation is a US and UK organization that focuses on funding research to find a cure for paralysis and donating wheelchairs to people in need.
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