The Global UGRAD in Pakistan [8] fellows at the University of Arkansas [9], in collaboration with the International Student Scholars’ Office, the Red Cross Student Organization, the Pakistani Student Group and the Friends of India, organized a fundraiser for Pakistan flood relief on Monday, September 25, 2010. The event raised over $800 for the Red Cross flood relief efforts in Pakistan and helped create awareness about Pakistan, its people and culture.
Upon arrival at Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Global UGRAD in Pakistan fellows noted that the majority of students they spoke to were not aware of the extent of the devastation of the floods. "While some people occasionally asked me about it, many of the people I spoke to did not realize the extent of the disaster," observed Global UGRAD Pakistan fellow Naqqashia.
Compelled to do something, Global UGRAD in Pakistan fellow Ferya discussed her options with the International Student and Scholars Office on campus and got in touch with other student organizations. The Red Cross Student Organization representatives suggested working together to host a fundraiser on campus. Although there was no organized Pakistani student group , many other Pakistani students joined in the effort. Within two weeks, the Global UGRAD in Pakistan fellows had widely publicized the event throughout campus through fliers, class presentations, e-mail and social networking sites.
"In order to attract students, we decided to incorporate a cultural component into the program" explained Ferya. The fundraiser featured a live music performance by two Pakistani students, two dances by the "Friends of India," as well as a presentation on Pakistan by the Global UGRAD in Pakistan fellows.
Fundraising activities included the sale of several Pakistani dishes prepared by the fellows, henna painting, and the sale of Pakistani souvenirs that the fellows had brought with them from Pakistan. "Henna painting was especially popular," noted Ayisha Bashir. "Even the boys were getting their hands painted!"
"The response that we received was great!" said Global UGRAD in Pakistan fellow Aumbreen. Although the fellows were selling the Pakistani food at a low cost, guests were paying a lot more in order to help out. The Global UGRAD in Pakistan fellows plan to continue to assist the Red Cross Student Organization on campus to collect donations for Pakistan flood relief efforts throughout their semester.