FOR A GREATER CAUSE!
Ever since the humans came into being, they’ve come a long way in the search of a livelihood. To make the world a better place, helping others is the first step. Improving the lives of those who aren’t as privileged as us is also shown to bring loads of benefits for those who choose to help without any cause and might just be the key to happiness!
Feeling a sense of delight after spending just a little bit of time to help others is considered to be out of this world. According to the researches or in the light of science it is believed to be a release of endorphins followed by a longer a sense of calmness and emotional wellbeing that helps to reduce stress levels and boosts the immune system. Studies show that the same parts of the brain are revived when we give without expectations. It also flushes negative feelings like anger and aggression as are stimulated when we receive money ourselves.
Sir Abdul Sattar Edhi was a Pakistani philanthropist who built a nationwide network of humanitarian centers offering a diverse range of humanitarian services to the people of Pakistan. He once said;
It is everyone’s responsibility to take care of others, that’s what being human means. If more people thought that way, so many problems could be solved,
After the death of Abdul Sattar Edhi, Edhi foundation is facing serious financial issues. Not because of those who are trying to fill their big shoes, but because we, the people of Pakistan, who contributed a great deal to build this great institution alongside Edhi, are losing interest in it. AMAL Academy has started a campaign with the help of its batch fellows to raise funds to support this foundation. As Batch-171 of Amal fellowship we are also given this task to help arrange the donations for this greater cause. Our Batch is subdivided into circles to carry on the mission effectively. I’m from Circle-1, we are 8 in total. To carry on this task, we started a social media campaign as well as asked for donations from people around us. We derived a strategy where each one of us had to collect much donations as we could.
Let’s make one thing clear, those who have responded to Allah’s call in helping others, find themselves rolling up their sleeves, because the roughness in today’s world is harsh. In simple words; helping others is hard work. Many people just run from it. But on the other hand studies of older people show those who give support to others live longer than those who don’t. Remember, helping doesn’t have to cost money or take a lot of time.
We as a whole Circle also faced various difficulties and rejections while collecting donations as most of us including me had never raised funds for anything before, however the conditions were not as harsh. It is just that people don’t trust easily. Edhi sab had great personality and a sheer dedication to his mission that made him a larger-than-life figure and honored him with a status of sanity due to which people trusted him. We are not like him not even the slightest, so why should people trust us with their money? This was the major issue. Still we managed to convince some people either by donating the money they gave directly to the foundation in-front of them or by giving them our word that not even a single penny will be spent on something other than the Edhi Foundation.
I know donations we raised are nothing but merely a drop in the ocean but mainly it is the determination, spirit and devotion that matters. However, of all the people we reached for this cause even if they couldn’t contribute a penny know where to spend of they want to. I’m really grateful for the harmony of Team HULK; Tanzeela, Jamal, Shiraz, Maryam, Ahmad, Saif and Ali for working hand in hand with me for this greater cause. We are a hell of a team!
Knowing that you are serving to make the world a better place and holding out hope to those who might not otherwise have it is undoubtedly gratifying and remember positive vibes won’t cost you anything!