29/04/2021
This post being shared today reiterates and reflects my purpose of joining the community. Envisaging this forum as a platform that believes in giving back to the society (according to my understanding), our Visit to Sahara Village Old Age Home. was the first in series of events that I had planned for ex*****on in Karachi. For those who know me for a long time would know how volunteering has remained an integral part of my life and this is what associated me with this forum. While the word Volunteering itself speaks volumes about what it essentially is - if I were to respond about why I volunteer with NCsLALL, it is solely because of gaining that spiritual gratification at the end of the day - the only ROI that I have been seeking for investing efforts. And luckily, this event had provided that share.
From singing songs together to participating in an interactive art activity, what made us happy within hearts of hearts was the opportunity to bring a smile on their faces as they lived that very moment. Not to forget, some of us also had the pleasure of having our personalities read by an aunt as she tried figuring it out from our handwriting. And trust me, she was BRILLIANT at predicting who we are!
The event wouldn't have been what it was without my team of volunteers who took out time of their busy schedule and decided to spend a day with the elderly at old home, sharing happiness with them. Special thanks to Saadullah Khan & Rashid Naz Memon for contributing towards the cause even when they were not being able to attend the event. Dika Abdullah, Shameel Siddiqui, Ayesha M, Ayesha AY, Sonu Akhtar, Munir Rahool, Muhammad Alee & Zafar Ali Abro - YOU ALL ARE AWESOME AND THANKS FOR WHAT YOU DO! Syed Ilyas - You were the magical music genie! And Munir, thank you for capturing those moments, the video still makes me teary-eyed for a reason everytime I watch it :) Thanks a million, Nadia Choudhary for offering the moral support, which is always needed.
Also, a huge bunch of thanks to the management at Sahara Village Old Home who had been cooperative since the day I contacted them and made us feel like a family, which I shall be visiting soon. InshaAllah.
If you are in Karachi and share the same view about volunteering, let's connect and take it further! Remember that volunteers do not necessarily have time but they have a heart to do it :)
(via Sarah Rehman, Coordinator Karachi - NCsLALL)
