As the sun dips towards the horizon and the blessed time of Maghrib and Iftar approaches in Kotli, Azad Kashmir, a familiar figure emerges from the shadows. Murtaza, a disabled father, begins his evening journey through the winding streets. In his hand, a small plastic carrier bag swings empty, a stark contrast to the weight of hope in his heart. His destination? The local masjid, where he prays someone has provided iftar today.
Why does this man, with his uneven gait and weathered face, make this journey every evening during Ramadan? The answer is as simple as it is heartbreaking: putting food on the table for his young sons, daughters, and wife has become an impossible task.
Murtaza’s story isn’t unique in Kotli. It’s a tale repeated in countless homes across Azad Kashmir, where the beauty of snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys often overshadows the harsh realities of poverty and deprivation.
A Father’s Struggle
Imagine for a moment, you’re in Murtaza’s shoes. The call to prayer echoes through the air, signaling the end of another day of fasting. But instead of joining your family around a table laden with food, you’re out in the streets, hoping against hope that today, someone remembered families like yours.
It’s a humbling experience, one that strips away dignity and replaces it with desperation. Yet Murtaza perseveres, driven by love for his family and faith in his community.
“Sometimes, I find nothing,” Murtaza confided in us, his voice barely above a whisper. “Those nights, I tell my children that Allah is testing our patience. But in truth, my heart breaks a little more each time.”
The Power of £2
Now, you might be wondering, what can we possibly do about this? How can we, sitting miles away, make a difference in Murtaza’s life? The answer is simpler than you might think: £2.
Yes, you read that right. Just £2 – the price of a coffee or a bus ticket – can provide an hearty and healthy iftar meal for one person. It’s a small amount that can make an enormous difference.
At Kashmir Welfare Foundation, we’ve seen firsthand how these small donations can snowball into something truly transformative. Last Ramadan, thanks to generous donors like you, we provided tousands of iftar meals, changing the lives of many families in Azad Kashmir.
But it’s not just about the food. It’s about dignity. It’s about hope. It’s about showing Murtaza and countless others like him that they’re not forgotten, that their struggles matter, that we see them.
From One Meal to a Movement
Our mission at Kashmir Welfare Foundation goes beyond providing meals during Ramadan. We’re committed to sustainable development in Azad Kashmir, focusing on education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. But sometimes, it’s these immediate needs – like a warm iftar meal – that can be the catalyst for long-term change.
When a family doesn’t have to worry about their next meal, they can focus on education. When parents are nourished, they can better care for their children. When communities come together to support each other, they become stronger and more resilient.
This is the ripple effect of your £2 donation. It starts with a meal, but it doesn’t end there.
A Call to Action
As we write this, Murtaza is probably preparing for another evening walk. His plastic bag is empty, but his heart is full of hope. And that’s where you come in.
This Ramadan, we’re asking you to join us in changing stories like Murtaza’s. For just £2, you can ensure that a brother or sister in need breaks their fast with dignity. You can be the reason a father returns home with food instead of disappointment.
But why stop at one meal? Consider setting up a recurring donation. For £60, you can provide iftar for one throughout the entire month of Ramadan. That’s 30 days of peace of mind, 30 days of nourishment, 30 days of hope.
The Bigger Picture
While we focus on Murtaza’s story, it’s crucial to understand the broader context. Azad Kashmir, often described as “heaven on earth” for its stunning landscapes, faces significant challenges. Inadequate healthcare, limited educational opportunities, and lack of economic activity have left many families struggling to make ends meet.
Government initiatives exist, but progress is slow due to limited resources. This is where organisations like Kashmir Welfare Foundation step in, bridging the gap between intention and action.
Our approach is unique. We don’t spread our resources thin across multiple countries. Instead, we focus intensely on Kashmir, allowing us to create deep, lasting impact. We work at the grassroots level, connecting directly with families like Murtaza’s, understanding their needs, and providing targeted support.
Beyond Ramadan
While the holy month of Ramadan highlights the importance of charity and community support, the needs in Azad Kashmir extend far beyond these 30 days. That’s why Kashmir Welfare Foundation is committed to year-round projects focusing on education, healthcare, and economic development.
Your donations during Ramadan can kickstart a journey of sustainable change. By providing immediate relief through iftar meals, we can build trust and relationships within communities. This allows us to introduce longer-term initiatives, such as skills training programs, healthcare clinics, and educational support.
Imagine Murtaza, no longer needing to make his nightly journeys, instead focusing on learning new skills to support his family. Picture his children, well-fed and energised, excelling in school and dreaming of brighter futures. Envision a community transformed, not just for a month, but for generations to come.
Join the £2 Revolution
As we wrap up this story, Murtaza’s evening walk serves as a powerful reminder of both the challenges faced by many in Azad Kashmir and the incredible potential for change that lies within our grasp. Every £2 donation is more than just a meal. It’s a statement that says, “We see you. We care. We’re here to help.” It’s a building block in the foundation of a stronger, more prosperous Kashmir.
This Ramadan, let’s come together to create a wave of change. Let’s turn Murtaza’s empty plastic bag into a symbol of hope, not despair. Let’s show the world the power of compassion, one £2 donation at a time. Remember, at Kashmir Welfare Foundation, we believe in the power of focused, sustainable change. Your donation doesn’t disappear into a vast pool of funds. It goes directly to families like Murtaza’s, creating tangible, visible impact.
Let’s make this Ramadan a turning point for Murtaza, for Kotli, and for all of Azad Kashmir. Together, we can transform empty plastic bags into vessels of hope, one iftar at a time.
