Flood fundraiser further fosters friendship between nations
Date published: 11 October 2022
Pictured left to right are Sajjadur Rahman, Councillor Elaine Garry (Mayor of Oldham), Arslan Ahmed (Indish), Syed Ali Ahmed (Mayor of Rochdale), Amin Babor Chowdhury
A grand fundraising dinner in Chadderton not only raised well over a thousand pounds to help cope with disaster – but also reminded us of the deep bond between Britain and Pakistan.
That is the view of charity champion Amin Babor Chowdhury who said that living, trading and even defending common values side-by-side had made the latest joint venture to raise cash to alleviate flood damage in 110 districts of Pakistan “refreshing, compassionate, but also unsurprising.”
Held at the Indish Restaurant on Jardine Way, the meal was attended by the Mayor of Oldham Councillor Elaine Garry. And as representative of the borough, she was once again reminded of the role those of Pakistani descent had played in the area’s past and present.
“Especially in the 1970’s and 1980s, people from Pakistani heritage came to Oldham to answer the call to work in British jobs where vacancies were prevalent. Prior to that, they had fought as part of the British-Indian army against fascism in the Second World War” said Amin, “you see that these links are long and strong and though sometimes they have clashed, both populations have commonalities, not least compassion.”
The recent flooding has affected over 33 million people in Pakistan, 15% of the country’s population, causing damage to a third of the nation’s landscape. It has also claimed over 1,500 lives.
The fundraiser, also attended by the Mayor of Rochdale, gathered £1,260 in funds. Following the launch of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Pakistan Floods Appeal in September, the UK government has announced it will match pound for pound the first £5 million of public donations, as part of a total £15 million pledge.
Continued community champion Amin: “People of Pakistani descent continue to make a huge contribution to life in Oldham, and by opening Eastern markets have created wealth and employment for people in the area. I think the entire population of the borough, whatever their heritage, welcomes that and is happy to return the favour.”
The self-confessed cricket fanatic concluded: “You have only to see the smiles on the faces on the crowds at the recent Pakistan versus England T20I series tournament, to witness the love and respect between the peoples. That means helping each other out and when that friend is in need, we become stronger friends, indeed.”
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