Sada-e-Watan Sydney ™
sadaewatan@gmail.com
The President PAA Mr. Ejaz Khan
Ejaz Khan and Friends hosted
a Bushfire Appeal Fundraising Dinner at Himalaya
Pakistan Australia Association has done it again. PAA has
proved that they are the true representative of Pakistani Australians. PAA in
partnership with other reputable community organisations held a fund raising
dinner on 1st November, 2013 for the victims of Bushfires in New South Wales.
President PAA Ejaz Khan said in his opening remarks that
the Australian community generously helped victims of earthquake in Pakistan in
2005 and now Pakistani Australians are helping our fellow Australians. He
thanked other associations who offered their support to ease the pain and suffering of the
people who lost their homes and precious belongings.
Ejaz said that PAA would like to work with other
communities professionally to help those most in need regardless of
background, race, creed and culture to make a difference in the life of our
fellow Australians. This is a teaching of our religion and these are our true
values.
General Secretary of PAA Mrs Shafaq Arif Jaffery started
the program. Mr Qari reciting the Holy Quran translated into English. Mr Sham Al
Abbas General Secretary of the Panjtan Association, also director of religious
Affairs of the PAA, organised this part. Ejaz Khan, President of PAA, conducted the
formal part of the evening. He introduced and thanked the PAA executive team for
their tireless efforts to make this program happen.
Ejaz then introduced and thanked the leaders of the
partner associations:
Mr John Niven President of the United Indian Association, Dr Moninder Sigh
Chairman of the Punjabi Council of Australia, Avtar Billu President of the Harris
Park Chamber of Commerce, Harish Velji Chairman of Subcontinent Friends of Labor, Sardar Makhan Singh President of the Dashmesh Sports Club, Daud
Baburi President of the Nabi Akram Islamic Centre Granville and Aruna Chandrala
President of the Global Women’s Network.
A superb presentation on Bushfires, prepared by the Creative
Director of PAA Khurram Naqvi, was played to create awareness among the
participants.
Dr Shaukat Javed Trustee PAA next came on the stage and
delivered his support and introduced Fire Brigade Inspector Martin Haffstadler
who thanked all who contributed on behalf of those whom will get assistance. He
explained the roll of Fire Brigade in such natural calamities.
Honourable Peter Primrose MLC, Honourable Amanda Fazio MLC
and Honourable Sophie Cotsis MLC & Mr. Shifaat Kaleem Counsel of Pakistan
representing
Counsel General Pakistan were the guests of honour. Honourable Fazio thanked the PAA for organising such an event and praised the fire fighters for their
frontline services to the victims. Mr Kaleem said that Pakistan Mission in
Australia whole heartedly supports the PAA and appreciated them for holding such an
event. My head is very high today after seeing such a gesture from Pakistani
Australian community, he added.
This event was attended by approximately 120 plus people. Mushtaq Ahmed Director of Himalaya Pakistani Restaurant kindly sponsored the
cost of food and soft drinks.
Ejaz thanked Media Partners Sada-e-Watan, Awaaz
Australia, Rabitah Magazine, Indoaust.com.au, Hindi Gaurav, Hemu Negi, and
Manjit Thind. Then added a special thanks to Anuj Kulshrestha for sponsoring the
music system.
PAA thanked Dr. Nighat Nasim senior editor of ‘Almi Akhbar’
for the coverage. Dr Nasim is a Senior Vice President of the PAA.
PAA is holding a PEACE CONFERENCE to promote Peace,
Tolerance and Harmony on 10th November 2013 known as ‘Youm-e-Hussain’. Religious
scholars from various religions will speak on the importance of peace,
tolerance and harmony.
Mr Zafar Islam Cultural Secretary of PAA introduced famous
Australian Indian Idol Mr Manish Kumar who sang a few songs along with Ms Radhika
and Khurram Naqvi.
PAA was partnering with Salvation Army and collected
approximately $5,500
from this event. All proceeds were collected by the Salvo
representatives from Granville at the gate.
Mr. Ejaz Khan, President PAA
Dr. Shaukat Javed
General Secretary of PAA Mrs Shafaq Arif Jaffery
Honourable Amanda Fazio MLC speaking at the function of PAA
Email
Sada-e-Watan to a friend!