– some $21M netted during successful telethon
THE Guyana Relief Fund for Pakistan, an organisation spearheaded by Hajji Fazeel Ferouz of the Central Islamic Organisation, and which boasts several religious and social bodies as collaborators, held a telethon in the studios of the National Communications Network (NCN), to raise funds for the victims of the flood hit state of Pakistan.
The telethon was broadcast simultaneously on several television stations across the country, including all NCN satellite stations, MTV/Channel 65 and Tarzie TV in Bartica. It was also carried live on NCN radio.
Housing Minister Irfaan Ali, part of a panel appearing on the telethon, signalled Government’s unwavering support for the fundraising effort. He declared that President Bharrat Jagdeo committed US$30,000 to the efforts adding that, like the Haitian relief efforts, Government always takes the lead in disasters like these.
Minister Ali, himself raising more than $3M, said the most recent disaster only demonstrates the harsh realities of life and pointed to climate change as a reason for its occurrence.

“The government of Guyana believes strongly in international solidarity, especially in times when human lives, health and well being are at risk,” declared Minister Ali.

Chief Executive Officer of NCN, Mohammed Sattaur noted that much work was done before the actual telethon. He pointed to innovative new ways like text messaging via the two phone companies, and an online PayPal account accessible from website www.guyanarelieffund.com as just two of the new methods of donation.
Secretary of the Guyana Relief Fund for Pakistan Bishop Juan Edghill noted that in addition to the pledges received through the telethon, persons wishing to donate money can do so via the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) account # C 1AK-084457, or through any branch of any commercial bank in Guyana.
Bishop Edghill said the latter was an arrangement made thorough the Bankers’ Association of Guyana.
The first on-air donation of $5000 came from Flint Bacchus of the East Coast of Demerara.  Students, brothers Gibran and Rizwan Azeez, donated $10,000 each which they indicated came from their savings.
The telethon attracted panelists from across a broad spectrum of social, religious and political organizations in Guyana.
During its first hour of broadcast,  the telethon raised $1.8M. As at 23:00 hrs, more than $11M was netted. And Minister Irfaan Ali last night told the Chronicle that some $21M was finally netted in the telethon.

More than a month ago, the country of Pakistan was devastated by severe floods, resulting from heavy rainfall. More than 25 million people have been affected.
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has dubbed it the worse natural disaster of our generation.