Flood relief fundraiser significantly successful
Photo by AP Guruswamy
Members of the Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, Iranian and Aus communities came together on Oct 9 at the Collingwood Town Hall to show their support and raise donations for the victims of the recent floods in Pakistan that have affected millions, at an event organised by the FIAV in association with the VMC, AISV and AIBC.
According to statistics by Red Cross, 20.5 million people have suffered in the tragedy. 1700 people lost their lives and 2749 were injured. 1.8 million houses were destroyed and 130,000 sq. km of land was affected. 2.6 million acres of crops have been destroyed. It has been a truly catastrophic event for those involved.
The Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (FIAV) put their support behind the Red Cross Pakistan Monsoon Flood Appeal 2010 by joining with other community organisations to raise money at the special event.
Mr Vasan Srinivasan, President of the FIAV said the Indian community, along with the Pakistani, Chinese and Iranian communities, the Australia Independent Schools Victoria, the Australian Indian Business Council and the Victorian Multicultural Commission have come together to host the flood appeal, and encouraged all Victorians to attend and make a donation.
“The Indian community in Victoria has been shocked by the terrible images from flood-ravaged areas with destroyed houses, schools, roads and bridges and ruined crops. Our hearts go out to those who have been directly and indirectly affected by this tragedy,” said Mr Vasan. “FIAV is proud to be part of this community event to show our support and do what we can for our Pakistani friends.”
The fundraiser began at 11 am and was well-attended by Indians, Pakistanis, Australians, Chinese and Iranians from Victoria. After the opening address by Mr Vasan, the cultural programme commenced. The event featured performances by various cultural, music and dance schools from across Melbourne. One of the highlights of the show was an enthralling Odissi performance by renowned dancer Nilakshi Bora. Dressed in a beautiful and elaborate costume, Ms Bora enchanted the audience with her graceful moves.
Another stunning performance came from Swati, Manisha and Aneka, three students of the Indo-Australian community from different Victorian schools. They enraptured the audience with a beautiful Carnatic music rendition. There were many other wonderful performances by various groups of different cultures. It was truly heartening to see such unity and diversity as people from different ethnicities and backgrounds came together to support a good cause. Local Indian restaurants also contributed to the cause by providing lunch packs and drinks for everyone.
An interesting aspect of the fundraiser was the ‘Longest Letter of Good Wishes’ which covered around 20 tables, on which participants and attendees were invited to scribble their good wishes to the people of Pakistan. Many touching and heartfelt messages were sent to Pakistan, along with prayers for those affected.
Closing with a beautiful Chinese exercise dance featuring dainty dancers in brightly coloured costumes, the event was a resounding success judging by the turnout and the amount of money collected for the victims of the devastating floods. At the close of the event, it was announced that the Victorian government had pledged half a million dollars for the flood victims of Pakistan. This magnanimous gesture was greeted with loud applause and cheers.
Mr Vasan said that all the money raised at the Flood Appeal will go directly to the Australian Red Cross to help fund the provision of basic food and non-food household needs; emergency shelter; emergency healthcare; restoring access to safe water and appropriate sanitation and hygiene promotion, as well as helping families restore their livelihoods.
Akanksha Madiraju
