Helping Hand for Releif and Development

Share Your Warmth of Winter

2011-12-31T09:44:00.001-08:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu,

For many, being in the winter months brings with it the anticipation of its first snowfall. However, there are people across the globe that reside in climates where the winter months are dreaded for its unrelenting snow and freezing temperatures. Many are ill prepared to face these conditions due to lack of resources and essential items. It is with these people in mind that Helping Hand for Relief and Development has launched its Winter Campaign.

Share your warmth with the people of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Libya, Tunisia, Bangladesh and Egypt as they brace themselves for the winter with whatever items they have on hand. By donating $50 for HHRD's Winter Package you will be able to provide basic necessities to these individuals where immediate aid is needed. Make your donation of $50 or more tax deductible by December 31, 2011.

For further information on HHRD's Winter Campaign and how you can help please visit www.hhrd.org

Wasalaam Walaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu
-HHRD Team

Millions without food,water, and shelter this winter

2011-11-28T18:09:00.000-08:00

Assalaamu Alykum:

As the winter season approaches people are scurrying to purchase essential items to keep themselves warm and protected from the perils of freezing temperatures. From warm clothing and hearty food, to protective shelters and reliable medicines those with these amenities can be seen as living a life of luxury.

But what about those who may be missing these essential items , moreover, what of those who are missing all of them?

With these individuals in mind Helping Hand for Relief and Development is launching a much needed Winter Campaign targeting those countries and people who are already battered by devastation and poverty as they brace for the winter season.

Pakistan, Bangladesh, Libya, Egypt, Tunisia and Afghanistan are some of the countries where immediate aid is needed. Share your warmth with them by donating generously to WINTER CAMPAIGN 2011; please visit www.hhrd.org for further information on how you can help.

Wasalaam Walyakum WaRahamatullahi WaBarakatahu

HHRD Team

Libya Emergency Relief Continues

2011-10-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Assalaam Alykum,

Last year Helping Hand for Relief and Development was able feed more than half million needy around the world. For many eating meat is a luxury and don’t get to eat it except once a year during the HHRD Zabiha program.

This year HHRD’s goal is to feed more than a million needy around the world with your help.
Perform the gift of joy. Please take advantage of the Special Sacrifice.

For $110 you can perform 2 qurbani shares; 1 in Africa and 1 in Pakistan. We want to encourage everyone to make the special sacrifice that will help both countries still in emergency situation.

To offer the Special Sacrifice please visit: www.hhrd.org

--HHRD Team-

Share the gift of Joy this EID

2011-10-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

Assalaam Alykum,

Disasters and conflicts have enveloped many parts of the world this year. Pakistan & East Africa are no doubt one of the most affected regions needing urgent attention and your generous support.

This year Helping Hand for Relief and Development is asking for special zabiha sacrifices for these two countries. We tried our best to get the lowest rates for these countries based on volume-purchase of livestock.

2 Shares SPEACIAL SACRIFICE: 1 in Africa and 1 in Pakistan = $110

Donate Now: www.hhrd.org

--HHRD Team-

Somalian Refugees now exceed 1,100,000

2011-10-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

Assalaam Alykum,

The total population of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Somalia is estimated to now exceed 1,100,000. Basic needs of vulnerable populations including the following:

Adequate shelter
Food security
Health services
Water and sanitation
Education and capacity building

Helping Hand for Relief and Development has been present in the Horn of Africa since before the crisis. HHRD had already implemented Water for Life projects and Orphan Sponsor Programs.

This year HHRD Emergency Response Team has distributed food and clean drinking water to more than 300 affected families; also working on improved health conditions.
Your generous donations are much needed.

Please visit www.hhrd.org

--HHRD Team-

Global Zabiha Program

2011-10-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

Helping Hand USA can help you perform the gift of sacrifice on your choice in the country of your choice. Last year your contributions helped families in over 55 countries across the globe.

Helping Hand USA involves local communities of villages and towns in performing the sacrifice. Fresh meat is distributed on-site among deserving people.

This year Helping Hand USA's target is to help more families than the previous years.

Special Sacrifice: You can now make ONE donation to help families in TWO countries.

Helping Hand USA is able to get lower prices based in advance volume purchase of livestock.

$110 for 2 cow shares; 1 in Pakistan and 1 in Africa.
African Drought Crisis + Pakistan Flood Relief.

SHARE EID. SHARE JOY

Special Sacrifice, Africa and Pakistan

2011-10-19T21:59:00.000-07:00

Assalaam Alykum,

This year Helping Hand USA is offering a Special Sacrifice for two emergency countries. Helping Hand USA is able to offer a lower price based on volume of purchase of livestock.

SPEACIAL SACRIFICE: $110 for 2 shares of Zabiha; 1 in African and 1 in Pakistan.
After his return from Horn of African, HHRD Country Director of Pakistan, Br. Fazalur Rahman visited Dolatpur, Mispur Khas and Tando Allayar. He assessed HHRD emergency relief, distributed food packages and visited medical clinics in flood affected districts.

Coordination and planning for long term rehabilitation of the flood affected infrastructure is underway and many areas are already being helped.

HHRD treated close to 10,000 flood affected through medical and mobile clinics.
88,350 beneficiaries have received clean drinking water.

--HHRD Team-

Zabiha/Udhiya/Qurbani this Eid-ul-Fitr

2011-10-19T21:45:00.000-07:00

Assalaam Alykum,

Alhamdulillah it’s that time of the year again when we are granted the opportunity to share our Zabiha/Udhiya/Qurbani with the less fortunate; some one who do not get to eat meat except this one time of the year.

Helping Hand USA can help you perform the gift of sacrifice of your choice in the country of your choice. Last year your contributions helped families in over 55 countries across the globe.

Helping Hand USA involves local communities of villages and towns in performing the sacrifice. Fresh meat is distributed on-site among deserving people.

This year Helping Hand USA's target is to help more families than the previous years.
For complete list of Zabiha prices please visit: www.hhrd.org/Zabiha

--HHRD Team-

Security Issues Rise in Somalia

2011-10-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

Assalaam Alykum,
Yesterday a truck filled with explosives hit a government complex killing dozens; including innocent students in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Helping Hand for Relief and Developments (HHRD) team was present in Mogadishu, Somalia close to the bombing. Alhamdulillah the HHRD Emergency Response Team is safe but the emergency response has become difficult due to security reasons.
Insha’Allah relief operations will resume within a couple of days in terms of food and clean water distributions. Water and Sanitation projects are underway in Kenya as planned.
Please keep the people of Africa and our brothers and sisters in Africa present for relief work in your duas. Your generous donations are much needed www.hhrd.org.

--HHRD Team-

Highlights of Ramadan and Eid from Around the World

2011-10-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

Helping Hand’s Orphan Support Program (OSP) organized iftar parties in various clusters throughout Pakistan. The social organizers workers attained the location, arranged a full iftar meal, and coordinated invitations to the sponsored orphans, helpers, and volunteers. For some children, it was their very first fast and they were happy at the warm reception they received. The kids were beaming with joy as they received new clothes and had an opportunity to meet with their fellow orphan beneficiaries as well.

Children recited Quran, naat, and made dua especially for their donors and Helping Hand before opening the fast. Parties were held on a large-scale in masajid, and others were held in schools. Each event was individually very successful and there was tremendously positive feedback overall. Thus, OSP tries to convert every important occasion into a memorable one for its sponsored orphans.

Helping Hand USA sponsored Eid celebrations for all of its sponsored orphans around the globe. The Eid celebrations for the Kenyan children were celebrated with as much enthusiasm as the children from Afghanistan and Pakistan, mentioned in the last issue. The Eid celebrations in North Kenya, started with the Eid prayer with more than 5 million people in attendance. All the kids in the village with their elders were gathered in small open place inside their village. The activities of the day included prayer, distributions of candy and sweets amongst the children and elders, singing, and a “tug of war” games. Kids were given small toys as Eid gifts, and the elders were given new clothes. It was a day of great fun and enjoyment for the children, villagers, and drought refugees.

-HHRD Team
(Orphan Support Program)

Flood Victims awaits your Help

2011-09-30T14:43:00.001-07:00

Assalaam Alykum,
Pakistan Floods Relief is on going in the Sindh, in the most affected areas by HHRD Emergency Response Teams.
Food: 13,200 packages have been distributed, where as 47,500 cooked meals have been provided to victims.
Clean drinking water is available in the districts HHRD is helping in to those who don’t have access to clean safe drinking water.
Ambulances are en route to remote areas where limited medical help is available. Medical Clinics and Mobile health clinics are making is easier for flood victims to get treatment from diseases, like malaria, scabies and other serious infections that can be caused by unsanitary water.
There is a lot of help needed in the villages of Pakistan to uplift them from the destroyed livelihood.
Please make generous donations at www.hhrd.org.

--HHRD Team-

21 Million Affected: Pakistan Floods 2011

2011-09-30T14:42:00.001-07:00

Assalaam Alykum,
Floods this year have killed 270 people, 200,000 have become homeless and it has affected over 21 million people. The stagnant water is now a threat to widespread diseases like malaria, scabies and waterborne diseases.
Helping Hand for Relief and Development has partnered with World Vision to provide Non-Food Items (NFIs).
Ongoing Medical Camps, Mobile Clinics and Ambulances have been treating the injured and sick. An immediate supply of clean drinking water is being placed in the main effected districts HHRD is working in. Cooked food is being provided in areas where people don’t have utensils and uncooked foods are being given to people as ration for those who can make use of it.
As last year, HHRD is concerned with providing long-term rehabilitation to the flood victims to give them a sustainable livelihood from here on out. Please join the cause by donating generously at www.hhrd.org.

--HHRD Team-

Helping Hand in Somalia: African Drought Crisis

2011-09-30T14:40:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alykum:
Br. Fazalur Rahman, Country Director, Pakistan of Helping Hand for Relief and Development visited Kenya and Somalia. Please listen to Audio Interview HERE...

Somalia: Due to security issues many organizations have not been able to help inside Somalia. Br. Fazalur Rahman visited Mogadishu, Somalia for assessment of emergency relief and long term projects.
He also visited HHRD ongoing Orphans Sponsor Programs and Water and Sanitation Hygience (WASH) in Kenya.

Alhamdulillah WASH project has started in Garissa, Kenya for the drought affected communities. Clean water is being supplied to 4 affected villages: Sadahln, Disio 1, Disio 2 and Hodomo. The families of these villages were grateful and appreciative of what your donations have brought to them.

Please continue to support the African Drought relief efforts. Donate generously towards African Drought Crisis at www.hhrd.org.

--HHRD Team-

Malaria Affecting the most vulnerable

2011-09-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alykum:

Today 2080 meals were served in the most affected areas of Sindh, Pakistan.

There are cases of malaria, scabies, diarrhea, and respiratory tract infections already surfacing among the most vulnerable victims of the floods. Children are mostly affected. HHRD medical clinics has treated over 1000 patients this week.

HHRD medical clinics are present in Safiabad, Methi, Umer Chandio, Bhugdoha Memon, UC Bandhi, UC AbdulHasan, and UC Dolatpur.

Emergency Relief efforts are ongoing and the severity of the situation is growing as there is little help getting to the flood affected victims. There is fear of severe cases of disease and malnutrition. Please come forward to help your brothers and sisters. Donate Generously at www.hhrd.org

--HHRD Team-

Increasing Numbers: Floods in Pakistan

2011-09-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

Assalaam alykum,

Life was already hard for the villagers from last year’s floods, when this year’s monsoon rains came and destroyed anything that they were left with.

In response of heavy monsoon rains and floods in Sindh province, Helping Hand for Relief and Development immediately mobilized its resources making them one of the first relief organizations in Sindh, Pakistan.

HHRD’s Flood relief interventions benefited over 63,000 flood victims:

Health: HHRD has organized four Mobile Medical Camps at different locations (Sindh, Pakistan). In total, 478 flood victims received free consultations and medications. (ongoing)

Cooked Food: HHRD served 25,200 cooked meals in 900 flood victims within initial 7 days response (2 times/ day). (Ongoing)

Food Packages: To date, HHRD distributed 37.26 MT of food in 920 families. Each family received. Food Package of 40.5 kg containing –wheat flour, rice, cooking oil, sugar, pulses, tea.

Psycho-Social Support for Children: HHRD Orphan Support Program team (an ongoing program in Sindh) organized Psycho-Social activities for 50 children in a school of Banazirabad, to help them face the traumatic situation they face.

Water—supplied 48 water tanks (150 gallon-200 gallon, filled 3 times a day) in eight days to provide drinking water. On average, 28,800 people were benefited by this initiative.

--HHRD Team

Increasing Number... Floods in Pakistan

2011-09-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

Assalaam alykum,

5.5 million Pakistanis affected and 233 people have died due to severe rains and flooding. Thousands of survivors are going hungry with their homes and livelihood destroyed. The city of Karachi has also been swamped. There is great threat of water borne diseases.

Last year more than 2,000 people died and left 11 million people homeless. Let’s not wait for historic numbers before we come forward to help them.

Helping Hand for Relief and Development is on the ground, with base camp in Hyderabad Sindh, and with our emergency response teams working in Tando Allahyar, Mirpurkhas, Tando Muhammad Khan, Banazirabad, Thatta, Badin and Kohistan (KPK).

Please donate generously towards the Pakistan Flood Relief emergency response at www.hhrd.org

--HHRD Team-

Eid Gifts Distribution

2011-09-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Eid Holiday season has once again passed, however, for many orphan children Eid is sadly no different from the other 364 days of the year. In fact, it is often more painful as they remember their loved ones who have passed away.

By the grace of Allah, Helping Hand’s Orphan Support Program (OSP) has been blessed with generous donors. This year, many donors sent a special Eid gift (Eidi) in the form of cash amount. Part of the joy of sponsorship is having the opportunity to partner with a child and see the difference you can make in his/her life.

Social organizers (SOs) of each cluster organized Eid parties in order to distribute the special Eid gifts. The SOs uniquely decorated the celebrations with balloons, streamers and other décor to give the children a sense of love, security, and fun. The openhearted extra donation for the sponsored orphan’s Eidi definitely made the Eid holiday much brighter for the children.

(This update is regarding the Pakistani and Afghanistani orphans that received Eid Gifts. Reports pertaining to the Eid Programs in other countries will be discussed in next issue)

May Allah reward you with the best in this life and the next.

-HHRD Team
(Orphan Support Program)

$2 million Emergency Appeal: Pakistan Flood Relief...

2011-09-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

Assalaam alykum,

Sindh, Pakistan is being flooded again and there are fears that it might be worst than last year’s historic floods.

HHRD is present in the 5 severely affected districts of Benazirabad (Nawabshah), Tando Muhammad Khan, Badin, Tando Allahyar and Mirpurkhas.

Many roads have been blocked, due to heavy rains; blocking access to villagers, who need help.

People are dying due to falling roofs, drowning, and water borne diseases.

Intervention Updates:

Food: 4,200 cooked hot meals daily being distributed in District Benazirabad and 40.50 Kilograms per family ration supplied in other four districts to over 1,000 families (ongoing);

Health: HHRD has established 1 medical camp, 1 mobile medical clinic, and 2 ambulances (ongoing);

Clean Water: Supplied 18 water trucks with 150-200 gallons to provide clean drinking water, placed in water tanks (ongoing);

Shelter: More than 300 families given tents, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, floor mats, aqua kits, and mosquito nets;

Planning: Long-Term Rehabilitation through HHRD’s Integrated Approach: Water Supply & Purification Systems - Homes Construction - Livelihood through Micro-Finance & Skills Development, Mother-&-Child Basic Family Healthcare Centers, Orphans Sponsorship, Schools Reconstruction, and so on.

Initial Phase $2 Million Emergency Appeal has been started by Helping Hand For Relief & Development.

Your donations are urgently needed in this severe monsoon season.
There are more heavy rains expected.

--HHRD Team—

2.2 million affected: Pakistan Floods

2011-09-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

Assalaam alykum,

Pakistan is being flooded again and there is fear that it might be worse than last year’s historic rains. HHRD is present in the 5 severely affected districts of Benazirabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Badin, Thatta and Umerkot. Many roads have been blocked due to heavy rains; blocking access to villagers who need help.
People are dying due to falling roofs, drowning and water borne diseases.
Intervention: Helping Hand for Relief and Development’s emergency response team has started disaster relief in the 5 districts of Sindh:

Food: 2400 cooked meals have been distributed.

Health: HHRD has established 1 medical camp, 1 mobile medical clinic and 2 ambulances.

Clean Water: Supplied 6 water tankers with 150-200 gallons to provide clean drinking water.

Planning: Shelter and long term rehabilitation through HHRD’s Integrated Approach.
Your donations are urgently needed in this severe monsoon season. There are more heavy rains expected. Approximately 8,000 – 10,000 people are being helped through this disaster relief.

--HHRD Team

Eid with Orphans and Needy

2011-09-02T22:40:00.001-07:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu,
Following the Sunnah of our Beloved Prophet (saw), HHRD teams reached out to the needy and poor (mostly families with orphans) of 13 countries world wide during the last days of Ramadan & happy days of Eidul Fitr. Food and gifts worth of $435,000+ has been distributed among 87,000+ beneficiaries during these blessed days, Alhamdolillah.
Muslim communities of Haiti and Japan, victims of East African Drought in Kenya, Libyan refugees at the Tunisian borders, survivors of Historic Floods in Pakistan, poor & needy in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sierra Leon, Afghanistan, India, Palestine, Kosova and Tunisia benefited from the funds donated by the donors like you. Jazak Allah Khair for enabling our teams to serve the deserving parts of humanity.
HHRD is continuing major efforts for the victims of worst famine in East Africa. A 40 feet container full of food items has been already sent from our In-Kind donation Center in Chicago for Africa, Alhamdollialh. More food is needed as we will be sending more containers in coming weeks. Please donate and volunteer as much as you can.
Wassalam,
--HHRD Team

Few Moments Left: Lets' Grab its Rewards and Blessings...

2011-08-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

"Whoever gives respite to a poor person or writes off his debt, Allah will put him under His shade on a day on which there will be no shade except His (Judgment Day)." [Sahih Muslim]

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu

Tonight is the Blessed Night of 27th of Ramadan, 1432. As we bid farewell to this bless month let us pray to see another Ramadan Insha'Allah. More importantly, let’s grab all the blessings and rewards we can before these precious days leave us.

Our beloved Messenger Muhammad (May Allah Shower His Peace & Blessings on him) was once asked, which is the best type of charity - He (pbuh) replied: "The charity of Ramadan" [Tirmidhi]

As you increase in supplications, prayers, recitation of Quran, and other such virtuous deeds for the pleasure of Allah SWT, it is time to give more and more in charity in these next few days.

Over the years, we, at Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD), have provided several worldwide philanthropic and humanitarian assistance programs for your kind contributions. For further information regarding these programs visit our website at www.hhrd.org

Humanity is Our Family

As in the past, several HHRD staff members are spending their time in the field, and will be celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr with those in dire needs, rather than going back to their own families.

We appreciate your ongoing support for humanity and are confident that in these next few days and beyond, we will see further support from you, your family members, and friends. Please visit the following link to send your generous donations. Click here to Donate

Eid Gift Food Package: Half-a-Million Dollars Worth of Food Distributed

Around 50,000 most deserving persons, including 5,000 orphans, will benefit from the Eid gift food packages that are being distributed at 38 well planned clusters in the four provinces of Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Every year during the last ten days of Ramadan, HHRD launches this program, to benefits thousands, so that they can celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr in a most befitting manner. Contribute towards this program by visiting hhrd.org

Food Distribution & Mobile Bus Clinics for Flood Victims’ in Badin

HHRD is providing emergency medical relief through the Mobile Bus Clinic and distributing food packages to the recent August 2011 flood victims of lower districts of Sindh, Pakistan, including the most devastated Badin. More than one million people have been affected due to these floods. 99% of all crops in Badin have been completely destroyed by the floods. This is a joint HHRD and World Vision effort of quarter-of-a-million dollars. Your contributions are awaited at hhrd.org

Rebuild Pakistan

In recent years, due to volatility and the devastating floods of 2010, Pakistanis are reeling. After the emergency and short-term assistance work for the victims of flood, starting with this year, HHRD has launched an ambitious long-term program to rebuild Pakistan in an integrated manner. Eleven most affected union councils have been selected in all four provinces, and enduring projects have been launched to rehabilitate hundreds and thousands of Pakistanis, by positively touching various facets of their lives:

- A person needs water to survive: Clean drinking water through water wells, water pumps, and water filtration systems being provided within the Water And Sanitation Hygiene Program (WASH);

- One needs home to live: HHRD has been building 2-bedroom homes for 275 families and more to be built with your continuing support;

- For livelihood: Concept of interest-free Micro-Financing being used to build small enterprises, plus for those not in businesses, their expertise are being developed through Skills Development Centers;

- Healthcare: Mother-&-Child basic health units being built;

- Empowering the communities with education: Renovating and rebuilding flood damaged school buildings, and supporting the most vulnerable in the society the orphans through the Orphan Sponsorship Program; and

- Much more...

You can be part of these ongoing immense efforts with your caring donations at: hhrd.org

Wasalaam Walaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu

Beyond Our Zakat...

2011-08-24T23:01:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu,
No doubt, Ramadan ul Mabarak brings the season of Zakaat to our communities. I am pretty sure most of us has already taken care of Zakaat distribution as the last few days of Ramadan are passing by very fast. Today, I would like to draw your attention to this fact that Zakaat (2.5%) is the minimum Fard (compulsory) charity for all of us. Allah (swt) has prescribed much more Infaaq-e-Fisabeelillah for the well to do Muslims.
We must give much more than the obligatory minimum of 2.5% in the way of Allah (swt) as our fellow human beings are suffering way beyond the normal ratios of poverty in this world. Even much more than the Tax Exemptions allowed by the IRS. The right amount will be when we alter our way of life to accommodate the charity we have given to take care of the victims of famine or poor orphans of this world.
Our African Drought Response team members will be spending their Eid among the victims of historic famine of East Africa. They are distributing food and other necessary items all this week on the borders of Kenya and Somalia. Water tankers are being used to supply much needed water to rural communities. A health clinic is being established right at the border town to help the refugees. All this need your help well beyond the minimum level of 2.5% Zakaat. Please donate as soon as possible as Ramadan days are passing very fast.
Jazak Allah Khair.

Wassalam,

Farrukh Raza
President HHRD

Eid Gift Package for Orphans

2011-08-22T02:28:00.000-07:00

Donors like you have made it possible to keep our efforts going and help young orphans grow into capable adults. Together with our dedicated donors we are sponsoring thousands of orphans; however there are still many that require our help and aid.

The Orphan Sponsorship Team at Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) is reminding our OSP donors to consider participating in our Eid Gift Drive for 2011. This is a way in which you can send an Eid gift to your orphan to celebrate the coming occasion that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to have.

A donation of $50 would be used to buy things such as new clothes, sandals, food or candy, jewelry or toys, and then lastly some will be given as cash. However, any amount would be appreciated by the orphans.

We hope you are pleased with our increasing efforts to empower our orphans and better understand what HHRD is able to accomplish through your support and donations. Thank you for your continued support of our orphan program.

May Allah reward you with the best in this life and the next.

-HHRD Team
(Orphan Support Program)

Water and Medical.. Your support needed in East Africa.

2011-08-19T20:37:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu,

The blessed last ten days are fast approaching us. Please keep the needy and destitute in your duas.
Water Projects:

Helping Hand for Relief and Development needs your support to help the people of Africa. HHRD aims to start planting water projects immediately and transport clean water tanks to Kenya helping the refugees with severe water scarcity.
Medical Clinics:

Refugees have restricted access to health care. There is fear of outbreaks of measles, Cholera, Visceral Leishmaniasis, and dengue fever.
HHRD is will begin medical health clinics to the refugees with qualified doctors and medical health services that the population so desperately needs. Please come forward in assisting HHRD in this effort.

-HHRD Team

Pakistan Floods as bad as African Famines…

2011-08-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu,

UN says that almost a quarter of the children under 5 are malnourished. In the beginning of the year UN has declared Pakistan Flood Crisis as bad as the previous African famines.

Torrential rains this year have been wreaking havoc on water streams in Punjab and are posing serious threat of flooding. The village of Badin has been declared calamity hit.

Many people have been deserted; heavy rainfall has affected their crops and acres of cultivation.

Helping Hand for Relief and Development has been on the ground since the floods on last year. This year as well HHRD is prepared to take action in times of adversity.
This Ramadan let’s direct our Zakat, Sadaqat and Fitra towards the most needed parts of the world.

-HHRD Team

Donate to African Family
HHRD has been making food package distributions. There is immense need and your support is vital.
$75 will provide for 1 family of 6 enough for 1 month of nourishment. Each food package includes: Rice, Maize, Cereal, Tea, Cooking Oil and Salt.
Save a Family this Ramadan.

East Africa Collection Drive across US

2011-08-13T10:45:00.001-07:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu,

In-Kind Donation Campaign for the African Drought Crisis has been started across the nation by Helping Hand for Relief and Development.
HHRD is collecting packaged food items, mosquito nets, medicines, personal hygiene kits, small tents and etc. There are 8 collection points across the U.S. For a detailed list of in-kind donation items and collection centers please visit www.hhrd.org

HHRD has been working in Africa not only for emergency relief but also building long-term capacity through Health programs, In-Kind donation projects, Orphan Sponsorship Program in Somalia and Kenya, and the Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) program
Currently, Helping Hand is reaching out with the "1 million dollar appeal".

-HHRD Team

$1 Million Emergency Appeal for East Africa...

2011-08-13T10:44:00.001-07:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu,
Br. Azmat Akbar(HHRD Representative) is near the border of Somalia in Garissa, Kenya 350 kilometers away from Nairobi. Garissa is Kenya’s most affected areas. Audio Interview

He tell us that the villages he visited lack water and water borne diseases like malaria, cholera are rampant. Also, scabies have affected many in the refugee camps.

He’s seeing livestock dead on the roads. 55% of Kenyans are dependent. The price of food has risen 200% where as clean drinking water is out of reach for the needy.

Helping Hand for Relief and development distributed 400 food packages for 400 families. Each package is enough for 5-6 people per family and will last for 15 days.

Br. Azmat message to everyone is that in the spirit of Ramadan please don’t forget the people of Africa, the situation is really bad and they need as much help as possible.

To donate please visit www.hhrd.org

-HHRD Team

Pakistan 1 year after Floods...

2011-08-13T10:42:00.001-07:00

PAKISTAN FLOOD RELIEF IN ONE YEAR:
· Worked in 53 flood affected districts
· Benefited 2.8 Million people
· Spent: $7.8 Million
In late July 2010, the devastating floods brought unimaginable suffering to the lives of almost 21 million people, left millions homeless and without the means to support themselves and their families.

EMERGENCY RELIEF

Immediately Emergency Response began.
Within a day, our teams were on the ground to deliver the basics -food, medical, tents, and utensils.
By the mid August, HHRD scaled-up its relief response over a wider geographic area by including 13 worst affected districts from all affected provinces.
FOOD/TENT DISTRUBTION

Carried out a large scale food distribution throughout the flood affected zone
Benefited over 371,000 flood survivors (including Ramadan and Eid gifts project beneficiaries).

Food packets contained many essential items such as rice, pulses, flour, oil, sugar, dry milk, and high energy biscuits etc.
During the Ramadan, HHRD delivered 672,000 meals.
HHRD also distributed tents during Emergency Relief phase.
This project benefited 15,600 flood survivors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh Provinces.

IN-KIND DONATIONS

28 containers, from the Muslim communities of USA and Canada were distributed.
From November 2010 to April 2011, HHRD distributed the supplies of containers that benefited 700,000 flood affectees (100,000 families).
With support of King Abdullah’s Relief Campaign for Pakistani People (KARCPP), HHRD distributed food packages, milk, dates, and quilts in 343,000 flood victims (49,000 families) across eight districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan during September 2010 to April 2011.

HEALTH ASSISTANCE

HHRD provided free health assistance to more than 100,000 flood survivors
Established 550 one-day free medical camps.
The entire project “Establishment of Free Medical Camps” benefited 160,000 flood survivors in two months.

LONG TERM PROJECTS

The Adopt a Village/ Union Council program was the umbrella of various projects, which covered all aspects of rehabilitation. Under this initiative, the 11 union councils were adopted in the following districts; Charsadda, Nowshehra, Swat (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa); Muzafargarh, Rajanpur, Mianwali (Punjab); Jacobabad, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Thatta (Sindh); and Jafferabad (Balochistan).

HOME CONSTRUCTION:

HHRD has constructed 275 flood resistant two-room permanent homes in flood affected areas.
WATER FOR LIFE/HYGIENE/SANITATION

Installation of 10 water filtration plants,
500 boreholes water pumps
Construction of 296 washing points,
20 permanent latrines
6 water storage tanks
Conducted 38 hygiene awareness sessions which benefited 570 flood survivors directly.
Over all, the entire project “Hygiene Kits Distribution and Awareness Sessions” benefited almost 4,000 flood victims.

ORPHAN SUPPORT PROGRAM

1,100 orphaned children (ages 5-18) sponsored from the flood affected communities.
These children are receiving constant support for education, medical, food and psycho-social uplift.
EDUCATION SUPPORT PROGRAM

Established 7 primary level-schools by providing building, furniture and school supplies.
Rehabilitated one damaged school in Jafferabad (Balochistan).
These interventions are benefiting 1,300 students every month
700 flood-affected students are receiving monthly scholarships.

MOTHER-CHILD HEALTHCARE

10 Mother-Child Healthcare Centers (MCHCs).
Fully equipped with medical and paramedical staff and between November 2010 and July 2011
300,000 flood victims benefited by receiving free consultations and medications.

INTEREST FREE MICROFINANCE

Disbursed interest-free micro loans worth Rs 16.10 million ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 in micro enterprise development, services, livestock, agriculture and poultry.
35 % beneficiaries are women.
Program helped these affected communities to restart their livelihood activities and become self-reliant.

Kenya Orphan Sponsorship Program

2011-08-06T23:30:00.001-07:00

Due to the devastating droughts occurring in the Horn of Africa, Helping Hand USA would like to shed light on one of its most successful Orphan Projects taking place in the country of Kenya.

In order for Helping Hand USA to provide aid to orphans in countries like Kenya, we rely on different partner agencies that work on behalf of Helping Hand USA, locally. Our partner agency in Isiolo, Kenya consists of five different departments which include children’s home, primary school, Islamic School, clinic, and “Baraka” farm. The house currently sponsors 404 children out of which Helping Hand sponsors 250. The children spend the majority of their time during week days at school and during the evenings and weekends the kids spend their time at the Islamic School. Caretakers are constantly present after school overlooking activities such as lay time, study time, and eating. Your donations aid in providing textbooks, stationary, school uniforms, shoes, and socks for the children. This money also helps run the organization by taking care of staff salaries, providing food for children and staff, and up keep of the building. The staff is especially trained in children’s rights which helps ensure that all of the children’s needs are met. We at Helping Hand USA pride ourselves in being partners with this charitable organization in Kenya.

-HHRD Team

(Orphan Support Program)

African Drought Crisis

2011-07-23T03:07:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu,

African Drought:

Recognized as the worst regional drought in over 60 years, a lack of clean water has spread throughout Africa, drastically affecting Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia.

In these areas, 1 in 6 children under the age of 5 are dying because of famine related diseases – UNICEF. These countries are experiencing many problems because of the lack of water, as caused by a lack of proper rainfall over the past three seasons.

HHRD immediately began distributing food packages to affected areas and communities. Emergency aid is planned, which includes providing basic sanitation to these areas and providing shelter for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Thousands of lives are lost daily because of this tragedy. Help is only a click away, at: www.hhrd.org

-HHRD Team

ALSO DONT MISS:

HHRD GEO Telethon:

HHRD will be holding a telethon to Rebuild Pakistan after the recent disastrous flood, dubbed as the worst disaster in the history of Pakistan.

When: July 30th 2011 on

Channel: GEO TV

Time: from 4 pm – 7 pm US EST.

Guests:

Sh. Yusuf Islahi – renowned author and scholar

Sh. Qari Saad Nomani: who is most known for his ability to read in more than 85 different qirats.

HHRD needs your help to help rebuild Pakistan. Tune in for more information and how to donate!

African Drought Crisis

2011-07-14T11:00:00.001-07:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu,

Current Situation:

Somalia has experience with severe droughts and famines in the past, but due to a lack of proper rainfall over the past three seasons, this poor country is facing one of the worst famines in its history.

Somalia’s lack of water and sanitation has been spreading to neighboring countries, Kenya and Ethiopia, who are also experiencing similar problems. According to UNICEF, 1 in 6 children under the age of five are dying in Somalia, due to famine-related diseases and problems.

A lack of clean water and sanitation has also lead to a drastic increase in cholera and typhoid in these areas. According to the World Health Organization, this is the worst regional drought in over 60 years.

HHRD in East Africa:

Water projects in Wajir the largest province in Kenya, including 2 water wells.
Orphan Sponsor Program in Somalia and Kenya.

4 water wells in Makaror, Godade, Barwaqo, Halane each.
HHRD Emergency Response Plan:

The Dadaab Refugee Camp, is now the world’s largest refugee camp with a 380,000 starving and thirsty refugee population. which is built to house 200,000 persons is packed with 380,000 persons.

Shelter (Tents or Plastic sheeting to cover the thatched huts)

Water (most important)

Food: Rice, Maize Meal, Wheat Flour, Beans, Sugar, Salt, Cooking oil, Porridge, Milk

Powder, Biscuits, Baby Foods etc.

Clothing’s.

Medical Supplies.

To help the numerous victims of this tragedy is simply a click away. Please donate generously atwww.hhrd.org
-HHRD Team

Dont Miss:

Qari Saad Nomani – 85 Qaris in One Man
Welcoming the month of Mercy: Ramadan
For tickets visit: www.hhrd.org

Texas:
Friday, July 22nd, 2011 – 6:30pm
Arab- American Cultural Center Tickets: $25/Person – $225/Table Contact: Ilyas Choudry: (832) 275-0786
10555 Stancliff Road
Houston, TX 77099
Tickets: $25/Person – $225/Table
Contact: Ilyas Choudry: (832) 275-0786

Illinois:
Saturday, July 23rd, 2011 – 7:00pm
Islamic Foundation Villa Park
300 W. Highridge Road
Villa Park, IL 60181
Tickets: $35/Person – $100/Family
Contact: Ishrat Rahman: (732) 668-9921

New York:
Wednesday, July 27th, 2011
Between Maghrib and Isha Salah
The Muslim Center of NY
137-58, Geranium Ave.,
Flushing, NY 11355
Contact: Athar Suhail: (631) 748-2476

New Jersey:
Friday, July 29th, 2011 – 7:00pm
Dar-ul-Islah, 320 Fabry Terrace
Teaneck, NJ 07666
Contact: Saqib Attique: (201) 655-4577

URGENT APPEAL: Lets’ Save Lives of Libyans

2011-07-13T12:12:00.000-07:00

Quran 005-032: “…and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people (humanity)”

We at Helping Hand for Relief & Development (HHRD) sent the following appeal last week and got a good response By the Grace Of Allah SWT, as we have raised about half of the needed $20,000 amount.

JazahkAllah Khair to all of the patrons.

As mentioned we are still short by about $10,000 and need your & your acquaintances kind assistance in the next few days.

Again to inform you all, HHRD in partnership with the Libyan American Society of North Texas (LAS) is sending, a container of medical equipments and supplies, from USA to Tunisia/Libya border, which will be used at the medical camps established by HHRD for the Libyan refugees coming out of the volatile Libya.

This container will contain almost $400,000 worth of life saving medical supplies and equipments equipment, while the processing cost to send them is only $20,000.

HHRD wants to raise these $20,000 by Friday, July 15, 2011, so that these most necessary life saving things reach in time to those in dire needs.

Please click the following web-link to donate:
hhrd.org/SaveLibyans

While giving your gracious tax deductible donations, please mention in the comment section “Libyan Medical Container July 2011”.

You can also mail your checks in the name of Helping Hand for Relief & Development by writing in the memo section “Libyan Medical Container July 2011” and mail them to:

Helping Hand for Relief & Development, 12541 MacDougall Street, Detroit, MI 48212.
Encourage others around you to contribute bigheartedly like yourself so as to achieve this target of $20,000 by Friday, July 15, 2011.

Lets’ save the lives of hundreds and get the Rewards of Saving the Humanity Manifolds.

Yes: We Can InshaAllah.

—HHRD Team—

Water For Life

2011-07-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu,

The devastation the floods have caused in Pakistan has left the country with water borne diseases and unsanitary sources of water. In order to aid relief in this area, Helping Hands has implemented the use of the Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) program in Pakistan.

The purpose of the program is to provide safe drinking water, prevent water borne diseases, and to discern alternate sources of water. Through these efforts, it is HHRD’s hope that the flooded country, in which 25% of it was affected, will be provided with quality water and sanitation. Additionally, WASH strives to raise awareness on hygienic practices and encourages the suitable construction of sanitation facilities.

Currently, water tests are being help in each of the 11 adopted union councils. These water tests are based on the quality of water. Helping Hands has predicted that three ultra-filtration plants will be constructed in each union council. These plants will provide to clean, pure water to over 10,000 people, as well as jobs for individuals to work these plants.

The WASH program aids Helping Hand’s mission by serving humanity, implementing aid in place of disease, and creating opportunities.
-HHRD Team

Career Planning Workshop

2011-07-07T14:58:00.001-07:00

Helping Hand for Relief and Development conducted Career Planning workshops for OSP students who have appeared in matriculation exams this year.

Two workshops were held—one in Muzaffarabad and the second in Rawalakot. These workshops were based on the assessment tests for these children. Students from Kashmir and Hazara Clusters participated in these tests. The aptitude test will determine the level and capability of the students individually and thus help decide what career they will pursue.

Training was conducted by HHRD through Edu-Vision. Further evaluation will be done by Edu-Vision on the basis of feedback against evaluation of their tests. After individual counseling and discussion, a final analysis and suggestion will be provided to the students about their careers. This will continue till they take admissions at institutions based on their choices and capabilities.

These Career Planning workshops continue Helping Hand’s efforts of improving living standards for sponsored orphans, so that they may dream, plan, and aspire, like normal children do.

-HHRD Team
(Orphan Support Program)

URGENT APPEAL: Lets’ Save Lives of Libyans

2011-07-05T21:42:00.000-07:00

Quran 005-032
“...and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people (humanity)”

Helping Hand for Relief & Development (HHRD) in partnership with the Libyan American Society of North Texas (LAS) is sending, a container of medical equipments and supplies, from USA to Tunisia/Libya border, which will be used at the medical camps established by HHRD for the Libyan refugees coming out of the volatile Libya.

This container will contain almost $400,000 worth of life saving medical supplies and equipments equipment, while the processing cost to send them is only $20,000.

HHRD wants to raise these $20,000 by Friday, July 15, 2011, so that these most necessary life saving things reach in time to those in dire needs.

Please click the following web-link to donate:

hhrd.org/SaveLibyans

While giving your gracious tax deductible donations, please mention in the comment section “Libyan Medical Container July 2011”.

You can also mail your checks in the name of Helping Hand for Relief & Development by writing in the memo section “Libyan Medical Container July 2011” and mail them to:

Helping Hand for Relief & Development, 12541 MacDougall Street, Detroit, MI 48212.

Encourage others around you to contribute bigheartedly like yourself so as to achieve this target of $20,000 by Friday, July 15, 2011.

Lets’ save the lives of hundreds and get the Rewards of Saving the Humanity Manifolds.

Yes: We Can InshaAllah.

---HHRD Team---

Libya and Tunisia:Medical Centers on the Rise

2011-07-04T11:19:00.001-07:00

Libya and Tunisia:Medical Centers on the Rise

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu,
With hundreds of wounded refugees daily making their way out of Libya into neighboring Tunisia the humanitarian crisis is still on the rise. Tent hospitals are being erected by HHRD to cater to these victims as well as the establishment of more solid health centers to appease the large numbers. HHRD continues its request for any and all health care professional and medical staff to volunteer their time in the region to word alongside its current staff. We pray the healing of these physical scars can also one day heal the emotional scars as well.
For further information on how you can help these brothers and sister please visit www.hhrd.org

Pakistan: Mother Child Health Care Centers

Helping Hand for Relief and Development provides health services in a variety concentrations; one of these areas focuses on Mother and Child Health Care.

With a total of 8.8 million children dying under the age of 5 every year, as stated by WHO, HHRD has focused its Mother and Child program on reducing this number. Moreover, it focuses on reducing infant, neonatal and maternal moralities while providing skilled birth assistants. These services coupled with the proper education on family planning, medical consultations, and expanding immunization all facilitate the necessary steps towards making this project as success.

Following the devastating floods in Pakistan, HHRD has set up a Mother Child Health Care Center which is running independently in the districts of Swat and Buner. The victims of this disaster need continuous support. Please donate generously by visiting www.hhrd.org

-HHRD Team

Dont Miss

CHARITY MUSHAIRA
Supporting Higher Education in Pakistan

Famous Urdu Poets:
AMJAD ISLAM AMJAD
ANWAR MASOOD
Renowned Scholar:
Maulana Yousuf Islahi

$25/person - Dinner will be served
For tickets visit: www.hhrd.org

NEW YORK : Friday July 8th, 2011 – 7:00pm
NYC Muslim Center
90-20, 191st Street
(Hollis) Jamaica, New York, 11423
Contact: Athar Suhail: (631) 748-2476

VIRGINIA : Saturday July 9th, 2011 – 7:00pm
Kena Shrine Temple
9001 Arlington Blvd, Route 50
Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Contact: Asif Khan: (301) 252-7553

NEW JERSEY : Sunday July 10th, 2011 – 6:00pm
Chutney Manor
3793 US Highway 1 South
Monmouth Junction, New Jersey 08852
Contact: Saqib Attique: (609) 575-7474

2011-06-22T15:02:00.000-07:00

Global Hand Washing Day

Helping Hand for Relief and Development observed "Global Hand Washing Day" in the district of Shikarpur, Sindh. Our social organizers taught orphans how to properly wash their hands. The purpose of Global Hand washing day is to promote hand washing among children and parents. Hand washing with soap is the most effective way to prevent diarrhea and acute respiratory infections, which take the lives of millions of children in developing countries every year. Yet, despite its lifesaving potential, hand washing with soap is rarely practiced and difficult to promote.

Children of poor households have no means of learning how important it is to wash their hands properly. Helping Hand is trying its best not only to socially uplift the orphan children, but also care for their health and hygiene. It is our hope that projects such as this will help encourage us all to seek out creative ways to help the orphan children.

For more information and your kind donations, please visit www.hhrd.org/osp

-HHRD Team
(Orphan Support Program)

Libya: Eye Witness Account

2011-06-09T11:43:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu,
Dr. Nejib arrived from Tunisia to shed light on the strife of the Libyan refugees; he is traveling across the U.S. to share these stories of pain and hope as well as raise the necessary funds to further help their cause in pertenership with Helping Hand USA.
More than 180,000 Libyan citizens sought refuge in Tunisia where almost all were hosted by Tunisian families or housed in empty residences. The remaining 2,000 were setup in outdoor camps.
For detailed information on whats needed please listen to his interview. Click Here. To donate please visit www.hhrd.org Libya Relief Fund.
LIBYA EVENTS NEAR YOU
Guest from Tunisia:
Dr. Mohammed Nejib Karoui
Villa Park, IL – Thursday, June 9th, 2011: After Maghrib Salah
Islamic Foundation (300 West Highridge Road, Villa Park, IL 60181)
California - Tickets: FREE – Please RSVP
Anaheim, CA - Saturday, June 11th, 2011: 6pm
At Anaheim Plaza Hotel (2323 Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, CA)
Bay Area, CA - Sunday, June 12th, 2011, 6pm.
At Chandani Restaurant (5748 Mowry School Road, Fremont, CA)
-HHRD Team

YOUTH FOR JAPAN
“Volunteer in Japan this Summer!”

There will be 2 batches:
Brothers Batch: July 9th – July 16th, 2011[Deadline: June 16th, 2011]
Sisters Batch: July 23rd – July 30th 19th, 2011 [Deadline: June 23rd, 2011]

“Deadline is fast approaching”

Please visitwww.muslimsforjapan.org for details on the program.

Apply Now!

YOUTH FOR JAPAN

2011-06-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

YOUTH FOR JAPAN

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu,
The 9.0 Richter scale earthquake caused 16,000+ deaths and over 300,000+ people displaced. Youth for Japan will be a similar program to Youth for Haiti. College students between the ages or 18 – 25 will visit the earthquake/tsunami affected areas of Japan. They will participate in relief activities and help in relief activities abroad.
There will be 2 batches:

Brothers Batch: July 9th – July 16th, 2011 [Deadline: June 16th, 2011]
Sisters Batch: July 23rd – July 30th 19th, 2011 [Deadline: June 23rd, 2011]
Program: Volunteers will:

Serve hot meals to displaced earthquake victims.
Participate in relief campaign.
Interacting with Japanese students and get a chance to teach them English.
Youth will volunteer alongside supervised professionals.
For further details about the Youth for Japan program and to apply please visit Youth for Japan.
-HHRD Team

LIBYA RELIEF
"Borders of Libya"

As the refugees from borders of Libya are pouring into Tunisia, more help is needed to privde them with food, basic necessities and medical relief.

"Medical Doctors, Pharmacists and Nurses"

Helping Hand for Relief and Development is look for medical professional; Medical Doctors, Pharmacists and Nurses. For more information, please contact Ilyas Choudry at (832) 275-0786.

To donate towards Libya Relief please visit, www.hhrd.org.

Medical Professionals Needed on the Border of Libya-Tunisia

2011-05-26T23:08:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu,

The humanitarian crisis of massive proportions is increasing in terms of hundreds of wounded refugees coming out daily from Libya into neighboring Tunisia. Helping Hand (USA) for Relief & Development has begun erecting a tent hospital at this border, in collaboration with the Windsor Cardiac Center, and Attaaouen, a Tunisian and UNO registered NGO.

Emergency relief will be provided to these individuals immediately; however by June 06th, 2011, a more concrete system along with procedures and necessary logistical support will be in place. This will make it possible to begin accepting volunteer doctors and medical staff to work alongside HHRD in the region.

HHRD requests all those in the medical profession who are able to volunteer five to fifteen days to contact our Medical Teams Coordinator Br. Ilyas Choudry after June 7th, 2011. He can be reached at 1-832-275-0786 or ILyas.Choudry@HelpingHandOnline.Org

-HHRD Team

ICNA-MAS 2011 Convention Hartford, Connecticut
"Quran: Guidance Towards a Just and Balanced Way"

Memorial Day weekend, May 28-30, marks the 36th annual ICNA MAS Convention where Helping Hand for Relief and Development will be participating in full swing. Come visit our booths 207, 209, 211, 108, 110, 112 located in the bazaar and convention center in order to receive up to date information regarding our programs and to speak with HHRD representatives about HHRD’s groundbreaking role in emergency relief and development. We look forward in meeting our donors and supports and hope that we can benefit from one another.

Don't forget to attend our much anticipated seminar session which will provide further details of HHRD's emergency relief work in Pakistan, Libya and Japan.

Seminar Session: Social Services - Muslims for Humanity
Sunday May 29th, 2011
3:45pm - 5:00 pm in Marriott CDE

Getting Muslim Youth Involved in Social Services
Sh. Abdul Nasir Jangda

Social Services – An Islamic Perspective
Sh. Yusuf Islahi

Updates on Emergency Relief in Pakistan, Libya & Japan
Abdus Shakoor (Pakistan)
Dr Mohamed Nejib Karoui (Tunisia)
Abu Hakeem (Japan)

Support Education for a Brighter Future

2011-05-18T21:10:00.001-07:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu,

Basic education helps one live a full and rewarding life. This is one of the major areas in which Helping Hand for Relief and Development emphasizes its foremost interest with hopes of increasing the literacy rate in areas under its care. The education condition in Pakistan is the lowest in the region with a mere 57%. Without a proper education infrastructure there is little hope for talented and motivated individuals for a higher education. The Higher Education Sponsorship Program (HESP) is a joint venture of HHRD and Al Falah Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships to talented but needy individuals throughout the 24 districts in Pakistan.

Scholarships will focus on a variety of professions including medical, engineering, management and IT, and Accounting to name a few. HHRD will work towards increasing the number of underprivileged from the 1063 students that AFSS is currently supporting. With a donation of $90 a month these individuals will be able to secure a brighter future for not only themselves, but their families and ultimately the country.

For further information on HHRD’s partnership with AFSS on this project and how you can help please visit www.hhrd.org

-HHRD Team

"Quran: Guidance Towards a Just and Balanced Way
Memorial Day weekend, May 28-30, marks the 36th annual ICNA MAS Convention where Helping Hand for Relief and Development will be participating in full swing. Come visit our booths located in the bazaar and convention center in order to receive up to date information regarding our programs and to speak with HHRD representatives about HHRD’s groundbreaking role in emergency relief and development. We look forward in meeting our donors and supports and hope that we can benefit from one another. www.icnaconvention.org

"Summer Internship Program"

With positions open in 12 states, HHRD encourages youth to spend their summer productively and apply before the June 7th deadline. For job descriptions and futher information visit http://hhrd.org/SummerInternshipProgram.aspx

Skills Development Centers

2011-05-13T20:50:00.001-07:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBaraktahu,

The catastrophic floods, earthquakes, tsunamis and wars of this past decade have not only altered landscapes but also family structures. Children have become orphaned, spouses have lost one another, and mothers have become childless due to such circumstances. In hopes of rising above such sadness and devastation Helping Hand for Relief and Development has provided these victims with outlets towards ensuring a better future.

HHRD’s "Skills Development Centers" are setup to provide men, women and children with the opportunity of specializing in a skill, which can be utilized towards ensuring livelihood and prosperity. Centers such as this have been set up in close to 20 locations across Pakistan where a vast array of week and month long courses are been offered from auto mechanics to electricians, and tailoring to baking. With classes specializing in the fine arts and those in social skills, HHRD has ensured the interest and talents of a wide range of individuals is being met.

HHRD hopes to provide these skills in order to lower the poverty level in countries such as Pakistan as it equips its citizens with the necessary skills to be part of the country’s workforce. We encourage our generous donors to take part in this noble cause and help reduce the struggles of these families and individuals.

For further information please visit www.hhrd.org

-HHRD Team

ICNA-MAS 2011 Convention Hartford, Connecticut:
"Quran: Guidance Towards a Just and Balanced Way"

Memorial Day weekend, May 28-30, marks the 36th annual ICNA MAS Convention where Helping Hand for Relief and Development will be participating in full swing. Come visit our booths located in the bazar and convention center in order to receive up to date information regarding our programs and to speak with HHRD representatives about HHRD’s groundbreaking role in emergency relief and development. We look forward in meeting our donors and supports and hope that we can benefit from one another.

"Summer Internship Program"

The Student Internship Program (SIP) at Helping Hand for Relief and Development provides an opportunity to spend the summer working with some of the most dedicated relief workers. SIP will also provide a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, in an environment devoted exclusively to the field of social services.

With positions open in 12 states, HHRD encourages youth to spend their summer productively and apply before the June 7th deadline. For job descriptions and futher information visit hhrd.org/SummerInternshipProgram

SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 2011

2011-05-04T19:30:00.001-07:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBaraktahu,

We are excited to announce our 2011 Summer Internship Program (SIP) Helping Hand for Relief and Development provides an opportunity to spend the summer working with some of the most dedicated relief workers. SIP will also provide a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, in an environment devoted exclusively to the field of social services. Registration for the Summer Internship Program has begun. Insha’Allah this will be a beneficial experience for all who apply.

Deadline for applications is June 7th, 2011.

We strongly encourage all parents to support this program.

Please donate for the ‘Summer Internship Program’ at www.hhrd.org/donate

Please visit the Summer Internship Program webpage at www.hhrd.org/apply for more information and how to apply.

-HHRD Team

Alabama Disaster Relief:

Helping Hand for Relief and Development is deeply saddened by the loss of the lives due to the destruction caused by the tornadoes and storms in Alabama.

Nearly 300 people are confirmed dead and thousands more are injured and homeless.

Volunteers of Helping Hand's Partner inside USA, ICNA Relief, are on ground in Birmingham, Alabama providing disaster relief to the victims of the storms.

For details on these efforts and kind donations, please visit: http://icnarelief.org/site/

Home Construction

2011-04-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBaraktahu,

HHRD Rebuild Pakistan Program in Full Swing
Pakistan was hit by one of the largest catastrophes in the history of the world, when ravaging floods went through almost 25% of the country. Much of the country remained water logged for months until recently paving the way for reconstruction.

After immediate emergency medical assistance, food and household items distribution; Helping Hand has launched a long-term recuperation program called the "Integrated Approach towards Rebuilding Pakistan."
This overall undertaking has several programs and is presently being run under the "Adopt a Union Council (UC) Program". The several programs under this Adopt a UC Program include:
Clean Water & Sanitation - Homes Construction - Basic Healthcare Clinics - Interest-Free Micro-Finance - Orphan Support / Sponsorship - Skills Development Centers - Schools Buildings Reconstruction - and - Wedding Gift Boxes.

The most devastated 11 UCs being adopted are the provinces of Sindh, Baluchistan, Punjab, and Khyber Pukhtoon Khawa.
Within the Homes Construction Program, 25 homes will be constructed in each of these 11 UCs, in various phases and will be completed before the end of September 2011 in all 275 homes will be constructed.
The need is indeed more than these numbers of homes. With the support of our Helping Hand’s Patrons, and various Muslim communities & Masajids across USA to first build these 275 homes and then more homes with continuing support.

Each home is $2,500, except for one of the UCs Madiyan Swat, where HHRD needs to purchase land: In Madiyan Swat with the purchase of land, each home is $4,000.
Salient Features of the Homes Construction Program within the Integrated Process of Rebuild Pakistan are:
- Qualified consultant employed and engineering staff hired to implement the projects (no compromise on quality and adequacy)
- Beneficiaries’ selected based on a vulnerability criteria survey through community engagement to identify the neediest persons, like widows, orphans, disabled, landless farmers, and elderly
- Community involvement and sense of belonging created by asking the public to provide local unskilled labors (who through this process will become skilled)
- Each home to accommodate 8 to 10 persons;
- Around 20 good jobs directly created for engineers & social workers; and several more jobs indirectly are being created in other facets, due to this program.
For sponsoring home(s), please visit https://www.hhrd.org/donate.aspx & then choose "Pakistan Floods House Construction" as the Relief Project.

We will have several Rebuild Pakistan events throughout 2011 and beyond, near your community. Please attend these events with your family, friends, and colleagues; learn more about this and other projects; and heartily support.
-HHRD Team

Japan Relief

"Recuperating Japan One Meal at a Time"

The people of Japan have shown extraordinary resilience in this time of destruction and strife.
HHRD continues to help these individuals by providing warm meals and basic day to day necessities.

Though the journey to recover seems long it is the manner in which one travels that makes all the difference.
The gratitude and smiling faces seen throughout the country in response to the aid that HHRD is providing is heartwarming.

"Get Involved"

We encourage you to continue to support those in need.

Visit www.HHRD.Org or www.MuslimsForJapan.Org for further information and donation options.

Wasalaam Walaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu -

-HHRD Team

Help a Libyan family...

2011-04-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alykum:

The conflict in Libya is continuing to increase. We cannot imagine the situation of a family that has to flee a war torn country. It is hard to picture the elderly, children and women fleeing to protect their lives. As time is passing, refugees are pouring in to the borders of Libya-Tunisia and Libya- Egypt. They are scared, hungry and destitute.

Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) encourages you to come and support the Libyans in their time of need.

Every penny counts and there are countless ways to help:

$500 will help a Libyan family with food and lodging for one month.

$40/pack of medical gauze: The need for medical equipment is such that the doctors have been using construction material and automobile parts as medical supplies to help the wounded.

You can also contribute towards hot meals and baby milk.

HHRD has served hot meals in Ras Ajdir Camp to 17,000 refugees and is continuing to do so.

We are praying for Libya. Please donate generously. To donate towards Libya Relief please visit www.hhrd.org.

-HHRD Team

Health screening of 3,000+ Orphans...

2011-04-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatahu

A tear trickled down her face as she sat on her bed wondering what was to become of her. The earthquake and subsequent flooding destroyed then washed away not only her home but also the most valuable possession she had: her family. As the sole survivor she was gathered up with the others in her neighborhood and taken to a safe house where the lucky ones were reunited with their families. She has lost all hope for she knew no one would come for her and this very thought became her living nightmare.

Countless children around the world have lost their parents and families due to natural disasters, wars, and diseases. These children often times are left to fend for themselves and as a result are deprived for a proper upbringing which includes an education, nutrition, shelter and much more. Of the many blessings of Islam is the reward of showing compassion to and taking care of an orphan.

Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said, "Whoever caresses the head of an orphan (in affection), solely for the sake of Allah, a good deed will be written to his account for every hair over which he passed his hand". – narrated by Abu Hurairah

Helping Hand for Relief and Development through its Orphan Support Program is granting countless Muslims across the world with the opportunity to attain this reward. With simply $1 a day and a total of $365 a year one child is provided with the following:

-Education
-Sustenance
-Social Upliftment
-Health
-Rights Protection

In countries such as Pakistan, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Indonesia and Bangladesh HHRD is supporting close to 4,000 orphans however, there are far more children that need taking care of. HHRD has completed medical checkups and health screening of over 3,000 orphans. With the launch of it's Orphan Support Website donors can find further details of HHRD's work, choose for a list of orphans, received updates and much more. Please visit the following website to change the life of one child hhrd.org/osp

Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said, "I and the person who looks after an orphan and provides for him, will be in Paradise like this," putting his index and middle fingers together. - Narrated by Sahl bin Sa'd
-HHRD Team

LIBYA:

"The Struggle Continues"

As the weeks and months of ongoing civil war continue in an already battered Libya, the people of this country struggle with normal day to day routines. Fearful of their safety and lives many have become holed up in their homes and as a result are struggling to sustain themselves and their families.

"Help-Heal-Hope"

Through it's "Help-Heal-Hope" Relief Fund for Egypt, Libya, Algeria and Tunisia HHRD has send approximately $100,000 worth of milk inside Libya. The food will shortly reach inside Libya along with other basic food items. There is a great need for funds to help Libyans. They especially need baby milk, food, medicines and blankets.

"Get Involved"

Please continue your ongoing support for the people of Libya and the countries listed above. Visit www.hhrd.org for further information and updates.

Wasalaam Walaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarkatahu

Keys handed to Pakistan Flood Victims:

2011-04-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

The worst disaster in the history was the floods of Pakistan. 25% of the country was under water. 20 million people have been affected. They are still in need of food, clothing and shelter.
After immediate emergency response, HHRD has now moved in Long Term Recuperation and Reconstruction phase for the flood victims. It is an Integrated Approach towards Rebuilding Pakistan; Clean Water & Sanitation, Home Construction, Basic Healthcare Clinics, Interest-Free Micro-Finance, Orphan Support / Sponsorship, Skills Development Centers, Schools Buildings Reconstruction, and Wedding Gift Boxes.

HHRD has made a commitment to rebuild homes for the flood affected families. Last week Executive Director of HHRD, Shahid Hayat, visited a village of Charsadda and distributed keys of the newly constructed homes by HHRD to 25 families who had been affected by floods. In all 275 homes will be constructed.

HHRD is committed to continue Long Term Recuperation for Pakistan. For more information please visit www.ReliefforPakistan.org.

We have several Rebuild Pakistan events coming near your commune (click this web-link to see the events: http://www.hhrd.org/events.aspx). Please attend these events with your family, friends, & colleagues; learn more about this and other projects; and heartily support.

Please donate generously towards Pakistan Flood Relief at www.hhrd.org.

-HHRD Team

Latest Death Toll: Japan
The National Police agency has revealed on March 11th, 2011 that 13,392 people have died and 15,133 people are unaccounted for in Japan since the earthquake and tsunami.

139,000 are living in shelters and according to HHRD team in Japan, there aren’t enough shelters in certain areas and the Japanese government is still building shelters to house those who have lost their homes.

The nuclear threat has once again escalated. Please keep all of humanity in your duas.

To donate towards Japan Tsunami Relief please visit www.ReliefforJapan.org or www.hhrd.org

Japan Relief field interview...

2011-04-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

Executive Director of ICNA Council for Social Justice Br. Naeem Baig is in Japan right now to monitor Helping Hand USA’s relief activities. He reached Japan on Monday April 4th, 2011.

When we called him to get updates, it was around midnight and he along with the HHRD Relief Team was on their way to make another food distribution in a close by town. To listen to his detailed interview please visit www.muslimsforjapan.org

This morning they reached the worst hit areas in the morning with a truck full of stuff (towels, under garments, socks, children diapers, toys, non-perishable food, cooking stoves and 3 bicycles) and half cooked chicken for about 700 people. They were living in a school because there aren’t enough shelters and there is shortage of electricity everywhere.

"Japanese people have a lot of self respect. I noticed that they don’t immediately line up as soon as they see the food being served. It was when our brothers started to invite them then they would come and take the food." He also gave a khutba at Masjid Quba in Tatebayashi and Sheikh Abdoor Rahman, who has travelled with him to Japan gave khutba at Masjid Al-Hira in Goyotaku, in Tokyo.

He also informed us that there was another quake nearby; Alhamdulillah the Tsunami warning was removed but 3 people died.

Please donate generously towards Japan Tsunami Relief at visit www.MuslimsforJapan.org.

-HHRD Team

HHRD Recent Efforts in Libya:
Helping Hand for Relief and Development is making daily distributions in Libya

You can help donating towards food boxes and blankets.

$15 per food box: 2000 food boxes sent inside Libya. 1 food box sufficient for a family of 6 for 10 days.

$10 per blanket: 2000 blankets distributed inside Libya.

To donate towards Libya Relief please visit www.hhrd.org

US Muslims leadership visiting Japan victims

2011-04-05T16:27:00.001-07:00

Constant power outages, increased nuclear problems, immense infrastructure damage and great number of Tsunami victims living in shelters are still the prevalent post Japan Earthquake/Tsuanmi.

On behalf of Helping Hand for Relief and Development Naeem Baig Executive, Director of ICNA Council of Social Justice and Sh. Abdool Rahman, currently the Imam of Islamic Foundation of Villa Park Illinois are leaving for Japan today to aid in Relief efforts Earthquake/Tsunami affected areas, inshAllah.

They will be leading Friday Khutbas in the two leading masajids in Japan Dar ul Arqam in Asakusa and Hira Masjid in Gyotoku. They will be meeting the Muslim communities who are helping the victims of the disaster through Helping Hand USA.

To donate generously please visit HHRD’s dedicated Japan Tsunami Relief website www.MuslimsforJapan.org

-HHRD Team

Milk sent inside Libya:
Approximately $100,000 worth of milk is on its way inside Libya through HHRD. The food will shortly reach inside Libya along with other basic food items. There is a great need for funds to help Libyans. They especially need baby milk, food, medicines and blankets.

Keep the people of Libya in your prayers, visit www.hhrd.org to donate towards Libya Relief.

Relief for Middle East...

2011-04-02T19:33:00.001-07:00

Libya: Helping Hand for Relief and Development is has been helping Libyan Refugees at the border of Tunisia and Libya and now is aiding Libyan refugees coming out of the Libya on the borders of Egypt.

As the situation gets more volatile within Libya, the shortage of food has increased immensely.

HHRD sending food into Libya through the Egyptian border.

Egypt: HHRD is working with local relief organizations in Egypt to better understand the needs of the Libyan refugees coming out to Egypt.

At the same time, HHRD is working closely with Egyptian partners to provide relief to the poverty stricken Egyptians.

To donate towards Libya Relief and Egypt Relief please visit www.hhrd.org/donate

-HHRD Team

Japan Tsunami Relief:
The Japanese government is trying to contain the nuclear reactors. Due to the leakage, clean drinking water is unavailable. So many Japanese are still in shelters; dependant on the aid that comes through. HHRD is making continuous food distributions and providing basic necessity items to the affected.

Please keep the people of Japan in your prayers.

To donate please visit HHRD’s dedicated Japan Tsunami Relief website www.MuslimsforJapan.org

Sending food inside Libya...

2011-03-31T10:07:00.001-07:00

Br. Irfan Khurshid, international Director of Helping Hand USA is now in Eqypt to start sending aid into Libya. To listen to his complete update interview click here.

Initially medical supplies were top priority but now food is essential. Helping Hand USA is providing food to not only the refugees at the border of Tunisia and Egypt but is also sending food supplies inside Libya where situation is most volatile.

They are in need of all basic food items. Libya borders are restricted and very little food items are going inside. It is very cold near the border where many refugees are staying.

Br. Irfan Khurshid has requested financial support for the people of Libya.

Please keep the people of Libya and all those in difficulty in your prayers. To donate towards food and medical distributions in Libya please visit www.hhrd.org.

-HHRD Team

700 hot meals served in Japan

700 hot meals were served in Somo town in Fukushima Prefecture. This is close to the Fukushima Atomic Reactors, where not many people are going to help the people affected by the Tsunami.

People have been hungry and they haven’t had a hot meal since the Tsunami hit. Also, more than 500 gift packages were distributed.

Japan’s Ex-Prime Minister Mr. Abbe Shinzu visited the Helping Hand USA Distribution Site and helped with the distribution of the gift packages. The officials and Japanese army appreciated the efforts of Muslims and Helping Hand USA in mobilizing the relief efforts.

By the Grace of God and your continuing support, this activity will continue in days, weeks, & months to come.

www.MuslimsforJapan.org

HHRD Director in Japan:

2011-03-23T14:25:00.001-07:00

Br. Irfan Khurshid, International Programs Director of Helping Hand USA is in Japan right now. Please listen to his detailed interview.

When we spoke with Br. Irfan, it was snowing in Japan. So we can imagine the situation of the people in Japan; there is a big shortage of food, they have lost their houses, everything is in limited supplies and now the weather has been severe for the past few days.

The most affected are the children and elderly. It is getting harder from them to cope with the situation. We have to remember that Japan was not a third-world country. They, like us, were sitting in warm cozy houses, had sufficient food and a good livelihood. Their lives have turned upside down. We should stop to think for a moment that this could happen to any of us.

To donate please visit HHRD’s dedicated Japan Relief website www.MuslimsforJapan.org or visit www.hhrd.org

Keeping Japan in our prayers,
-HHRD Team

LIBYA RELIEF:
We are all praying for normalcy to return to Libya. Because Libya has become a battle zone, many Libyans are leaving to protect their lives.

The number of refugees has increased multiple folds since the attacks have intensified inside Libya, requiring more aid to the people.

HHRD is providing Libyan refugees with food, water and basic necessities at the border of Libya and Tunisia in Ras Ajdir. To donate please visit www.hhrd.org

Increased turmoil. Libya needs us..

2011-03-22T21:05:00.001-07:00

Increased turmoil. Libya needs us...

Assalaamu Alykum,

Libyan refugees are pouring into the Tunisian border. The situation has gotten immensely worse for the innocent civilians of Libya. HHRD has been providing food, water and shelter along with basic necessities to the refugees at the border as they come in.

Your support is important for them at this time; they need our prayers and attention to survive this turmoil. To donate towards Libya Relief, please visitwww.hhrd.org.

Please keep Japan and the rest of humanity in your prayers during these turbulent times.www.MuslimsforJapan.org

JazakAllah Khair,
-HHRD Team

PRAY FOR JAPAN:

Helping Hand for Relief and Developments's International Program Director Irfan Khurshid is in Japan to assist in relief efforts for Japan.

Please keep Japan and the rest of humanity in your prayers during these turbulent times.

To donate please visit HHRD's dedicated website for Japan Tsunami Reliefwww.MuslimsforJapan.org.

HHRD Program Director near Libya...

2011-03-22T21:04:00.001-07:00

HHRD Program Director near Libya...

Assalaamu Alykum,

HHRD International Program Director Br. Irfan Khurshid present at the border of Libya:

The refugees are continuously pouring in. He tells us about the unstable situation in Libya. The security issue is getting worse by the day. The people of Libya are enduring a great deal of trauma. There are women and children that need our help. Families are at the borders helpless, without food, water or shelter.

Br. Irrfan has been leading the efforts near Ras Ajdir to help the refugees of Libya. They have been doing food distributions everyday and providing emergency medical assistance.

To support the Libyan Refugees please donate atwww.hhrd.org/donate

-HHRD Team

Pray For Japan:

The death toll is constantly rising. The earthquake magnitude has been reclassified to 9.0. The dreadful after affects are surfacing every everywhere across Japan. Please keep everyone in your prayers.

HHRD is working closely with our partners on the ground. They are in need of support from us of here. They have been helping with food, medical assistance and basic necessity items distributions.

To donate please visit:www.MuslimsforJapan.org

Japan Tsunami Relief

2011-03-22T21:02:00.001-07:00

Within hours of the earthquake, Helping Hand for Relief and Development launched the 'Muslims for Japan' Campaign. An estimated 10,000 people have died, several thousands are unaccounted for, and over 300,000 people have been displaced and thedeath toll is continuously rising.

There is a shortage of everything, from food, water and shelter to transportation.

HHRD Teams have set 6 collection points acrossTokyo and nearby cities of Gumma, Chiba, Gifu and Ibraki.

The following items are being collected & distributed from these sites in Japan: Blankets, diapers, flash lights, rice, gloves, masks, dry fruits and water.

Please donate generously at www.hhrd.org or visit the HHRD dedicated website for Japan Tsunami Relief at www.MuslimsforJapan.org

For more information and your kind donations, please visit www.hhrd.org/donate

LIBYA RELIEF:

"At any given point there are about15,000 Libyan refugees at the border of Tunisia and Libya and there are 2000 refugees coming every day," said Br. Irfan Khurshid - HHRD International Programs Director.

There are a lot of organizations present to aid the people of Libya and HHRD is providing them with food, shelter and medicines. $35 will provide for a person for one week. The situation is still volatile and the security issue keeps getting worse.

Please donate for the survival of the people of Libya at www.hhrd.org

-HHRD Team

MuslimsForJapan: Death toll rising in Japan...

2011-03-22T21:01:00.001-07:00

Death toll rising in Japan...

Assalaamu Alykum,

The death toll is rising. There are tides of bodies surfacing at the shore. The damages are catastrophic. There is a shortage of everything, from food, water, shelter to transportation.

Helping Hand for Relief and Development is on the ground with its emergency teams supplying food, medical assistance and basic necessities to the severely afflicted.

HHRD Teams have set 6 collection points across Tokyo and nearby cities. The following items are being distributed:
Blankets, pampers, torch light, rice, gloves, masks, dry fruits and water.

The 8.9 magnitude earthquake and the 6 Richter scale aftershocks were so severe that Japan’s coast has moved 8 feet on the earth’s axis.

There is immense need to help the Japanese. Please donate generously at www.hhrd.org.

May Allah protect us all.

-- HHRD Team.

Japan Earthquake: 100 times worse than Haiti...

2011-03-12T17:07:00.001-08:00

Assalaam Alykum,

Japan Tsunami Relief:

‘100 times worse than Haiti, and comparable to the 2004 Tsunami of South East Asia’, says Columbia University Seismologist Jim Gaherty.

Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) Emergency Response Team is on its way with their medical team to assist with food and Medical Assistance.

Islamic Circle of Japan is working in coordination with HHRD in assessing the situation further and helping the Tsunami victims in the early stages of the catastrophe. A lot of Muslims businesses have been affected; many of which were see on the main stream news channels.

There have been confirmed cases of nuclear exposure in a Japan nuclear plant. This could be catastrophic on many levels. Please keep the entire humanity in your duas and whole heartedly donate towards their well being.

To donate towards Japan Tsunami Relief please visit www.hhrd.org.

Libya Relief:

Our International Programs Director: Irfan Khurshid is at the border of Libya and Tunisia in Ras Ajdir.
Please Listen: "Audio Interview from Libya: HHRD Int'l Program Director"

Please listen to his audio interview below. 15,000 – 20,000 refugees are there at the moment; and they need immediate assistance. HHRD is providing them with shelter, food and medical supplies.

To donate towards Libya Relief please visit www.hhrd.org.

-HHRD Team

Japan hit by Earthquake-Tsunami

2011-03-11T09:21:00.000-08:00

Asalam-Alaikum,

8.9 Richter Scale Earthquake of horrific consequences has hit north-east Japan, triggering a tsunami that is causing extensive damages.

Scores are killed; homes, cars, & key infrastructure all have been swept away and God Forbidding tsunami is projected to bring more dismay to several countries along Pacific Ocean including South America, and North America.

Helping Hand For Relief & Development has immediately announced the Japan-Tsunami Relief Program and our deployment team is making all the necessary arrangements to go into the affected areas.

We urge you all to pray for the humanity getting hit by this devastating tsunami and whole heartedly contribute towards Helping Hand’s Japan-Tsunami Relief Program at www.HHRD.Org

JazakAllah Khairan,

-HHRD Team

Please Help Libyan Refugees...

2011-03-09T18:19:00.001-08:00

Assalaamu Alykum,

The political turmoil is not only a source of threat to Libyans but also people who have been living in Libya to earn for their families from neighboring countries.

More than 15,000 refugees are at Libya-Tunisia Border in "Ras Ajdir Tunisia" near the towns of "Ben Gardane" and "Zarzis".

Helping Hand USA - Director of International Programs Br. Irfan Khurshid is travelling to aid in efforts to provide for these refugees.

Your donations will provide Libyan refugees with immediate emergency relief.

HHRD is providing them with Tents, Blankets, Sleeping Bags, Medicines, Food (including Baby Food), Hygiene and sanitary items.

They need our Support NOW!

Please donate generously at www.hhrd.org.

-HHRD Team

Youth for Haiti:
Youth from the US will be visiting Haiti to volunteer at a local hospital, help construct dormitories for students and a masjid for the Muslim community of Miragoane. They will also get a chance to teach Haitian students.

Youth will gain this one in a life time experience in social and community rebuilding alongside experienced Mentors of HHRD. Youth will be travelling next week for the Youth for Haiti Program 2011.

Helping Hand has now started water for life projects. Haitian Youth come to HHRD programs to learn English for better communication.

HHRD is looking forward to start the Orphan Support in Haiti and start a Post Earthquake Rehabilitation Center.

Helping Hand USA in Libya...

2011-03-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

Assalaamu Alykum,

Libya needs our help now! Helping Hand for Relief and Development is actively working towards helping Libyans inside Libya and refugees at the outskirts of eastern Libya.
Medical Relief: HHRD volunteer doctors are providing medical relief and medical supplies. HHRD is mobilizing ambulances and medical doctors to treat the wounded and the injured. The wounded and injured need our help and support in their time of need.
Medical Nurses: HHRD would like to request medical nurses come forward and help with the efforts of Libya Relief. For more information please contact Ilyas Choudry at 832-275-0786.

Please donate generously towards Libya Relief at www.hhrd.org

-HHRD Team

Libya...Help. Heal. Hope

2011-02-25T10:33:00.000-08:00

Assalaamu Alykum,

There are many Libyans who are suffering due political unrest.
Thousands have died for their basic rights, while countless are wounded and injured. There are many who are living below the poverty line and dependant on their day to day wages to feed their families.

This is their time of need; Libya and countries like Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria need our help. Please come forward and support Helping Hand for Relief and Development in carrying out their efforts to improve the lives of many by providing emergency relief to those whose freedom has come at a very heavy cost.

Though Egypt and Tunisia have found political freedom, the situation there is still volatile. People still don’t have jobs, families are still going hungry and their future is bleak.

Show your support and donate generously towards these relief funds: Libya Relief Fund , Egypt Relief Fund , Tunisia Relief Fund and Algeria Relief Fund at www.hhrd.org

-HHRD Team

Time is running out - Youth for Haiti...

2011-02-23T17:52:00.000-08:00

Assalaam Alykum,

Youth for Haiti:
HHRD is encouraging youth to participate in the long awaited Youth for Haiti 2011 program. It will be a great opportunity for our Youth to get involved in relief work and see firsthand the process of field work in a non-for profit organization.

Students will get a chance to:
Help in building dormitories for students and a Masjid for the Muslim community.
Interacting with Haitian students and get a chance to teach them.
Volunteer at a Local Helping Hand USA Health Clinic
Youth will volunteer alongside supervised professionals.

There will be 2 batches:
Batch 1: March 5th – March 12th, 2011 [Deadline: March 1st, 2011]
Batch 2: March 12th – March 19th, 2011 [Deadline: March 5st, 2011]

Medical Doctors: HHRD will be carrying out health clinics in remote areas of Haiti where medical health is not readily available. If you would like to serve being a medical professional please email ilyas.choudry@helpinghandonline.org for more information.

Please visit www.hhrd.org for more information about the Youth for Haiti program, eligibility requirements, online application and registration process. There are limited spots left, please plan accordingly.

New Zealand Earthquake:
The 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit New Zealand on Tuesday killing 75 people and hundreds are still missing. There are people still trapped under collapsed buildings. Helping Hand for Relief and Development is going to offer its emergency response aid to the people of New Zealand. Please donate generously towards New Zealand Earthquake Fund.

JazakAllah Khairan,

-HHRD Team

Youth for Haiti Volunteers teaching Haitian Children

2011-02-19T07:00:00.001-08:00

HHRD is happy to announce the Youth for Haiti Program 2011. Last year college students visited Haiti with Helping Hand for Relief and Development to assist in building shelters, volunteer in medical camps and taught Haitian children in small class rooms during their spring breaks from all over the US.

This year HHRD is once again inviting Youth Volunteers to contribute their time/efforts for Haiti Relief. Students will spend their Spring Break building dormitories for students and a Masjid for the Muslim community. They will interact with Haitian students, get a chance to teach them and volunteer at a local Helping Hand USA Health Clinic alongside supervised professionals

Eligibility Requirements:
· Registration fee: $200
· Airfare: Students will purchase their round trip airfare to Haiti.
· Volunteer Students must be 18 - 25 years of age or older.
Helping Hand USA will arrange for participants’ transportation, meals and housing within Haiti.
Students will be received at the airport and will be supervised by mentors.
Youth for Haiti will be for one week for each participant.
There will be 2 rotations for 2011: Weeks of 3/6 and 3/13 of 2011
For more information please email: YouthForHaiti@portal.hhfrd.net

There will be 2 batches for 2011:
Batch 1: March 5th – March 12th, 2011 [Deadline: March 1st, 2011]
Batch 2: March 12th – March 19th, 2011 [Deadline: March 5th, 2011]

Spots are LIMITED! Please sign up as early as possible to secure a spot for the Youth for Haiti Program.

For more information please visit: hhrd.org/yfh
JazakAllah Khair,
-HHRD Team

Sri Lanka Floods devastating aftermath...

2011-02-16T19:37:00.000-08:00

Assalaam Alykum,

Sri Lanka Floods cause Fish Disease: Worst floods in half a century in Sri Lanka’s history have caused an estimated $600 million in damage. Now the after effects of the floods are surfacing. One of the main staples of Sri Lanka’s is fish and rice.

A disease caused by the floods is depleting the fish stocks of Sri Lanka. 11,750 of fishermen’s families are badly affected as a result of people refusing to buy or eat fish. (BBC). Our partners on the ground are working closely with the victims of the flood, who are now returning to the homes, but only to find out that their homes are damaged, water contaminated and livestock killed in large numbers.

Haiti Update: Two of HHRD’s Coordinators are present in Haiti to further relief activities; HHRD is working on Youth for Haiti in Spring Break, Orphans Support, Water Sanitation projects, Health Clinics and a Rehabilitation Center.

Egypt Food Packages: 14 million people living below the poverty line need our assistance. Cost of each Food Package is $20 and it helps feed a family of 5 for 10 days.

The Food Package contains: Rice, Macaroni (Pasta), Cooking Oil, Lobia (Beans), Lentils, Tomato Paste, Salt, Sugar, Flour, and Tea.

ICNA Congratulates the people of Egypt.

For more information and your kind donations, please visit https://www.hhrd.org/donate

-HHRD Team

Egypt Relief Fund: Food Package

2011-02-11T21:41:00.001-08:00

The volatile situation in Egypt has left thousands of families in dire straits. These are the people, who live on daily wages with little savings.

Due to the turmoil, there is little or no work available, making life miserable for thousands of daily wagers.

According to a UNO World Food Programme (WFP) report, Egypt is "a low-income, food-deficit country, with 19.6 percent of the population—almost 14.2 million people—living below the lower poverty line, on less than US $1/day."

Also a recent study from UNICEF showed that "some 1.5 million children in Egypt under the age of 5 suffer from health and food deprivations."

With this unstable situation continuing, the lives of these thousands of impoverished persons have gone from bad to worst; and they need immediate food relief and many of their children need medical attention.

In order to meet their needs, as a first step, Helping Hand For Relief & Development (HHRD) has decided to collaborate with a local Egyptian humanitarian organization, that is right now responding to the urgent food needs of the people.

Nature of relief involves providing needy families with food baskets.

Cost of each Food Basket is $20 and it helps feed a family of 5 for 10 days.

The basket contains: Rice, Macaroni (Pasta), Cooking Oil, Lobia (Beans), Lentils, Tomato Paste, Salt, Sugar, Flour, and Tea.

For more information and your kind donations, please visit www.hhrd.org/donate

-HHRD Team

Rivers of Hope: Water for Life

2011-02-09T18:17:00.001-08:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu

Today 2.5 billion people, including almost one billion children, live without basic sanitation. Every 20 seconds, a child dies as a result of poor sanitation. That's 1.5 million preventable deaths each year. (WSSCC)

Clean water is the most precious resource for a healthy life. HHRD is designing a policy to extend its Water for Life Program specifically in the poorest areas, worldwide, where people are unable to access and benefit from clean water and who are living in bad hygiene conditions. Our objectives include:

To work on dynamic and viable solutions for the provision of safe drinking water so as to prevent diseases.
To achieve health hygiene standards through the Water for Life Program among the vulnerable communities.

Water Tanks, Wells and Hand pumps:
The project aims to improve the quality of life, sustainable ecosystem and water resources in affected areas and other areas that are facing water shortages. Water shortages and disasters are the key constraints to sustainable development in these areas. Efficient water resource management will help to maintain and keep the water resources clean.

In developing countries, 70 percent of industrial wastes are dumped untreated into waters where they pollute the usable water supply.
Source: WWAP

Keeping in mind the importance of drinking water, Helping Hand for Relief and Development is continuously sponsoring projects providing clean water / hand pumps. HHRD has installed hundreds of Hand pumps in Pakistan, Haiti, Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh and many African countries, providing hundreds of communities with safe clean drinking water.

To donate towards HHRD’s Water for Life program, please visit, www.hhrd.org/donate

-HHRD Team

Economic Empowerment through Interest Free MicroFinance

2011-02-03T10:13:00.001-08:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahamatullahi WaBarakathu,

Economic Empowerment is about lifting a vulnerable community out of poverty and helping its people to achieve socio-economic empowerment within their society, their villages and their countries.

Your one time donation allows for interest free loans for the poor, the unemployed and the widows. That family uses that money to start a small business or buy a sewing machine for example that will become a source of livelihood for them. For those who are in difficult situations, these loans help them get back on their feet and become a contributing member of society. Interest-free loans have shown a repayment rate of 99.8%.

The cycle continues and it becomes a form a sadaqa–e-jariya. The best form of charity.

The natural disasters that closed out the second half of 2010 led to an increased distribution of nearly 430 active loans. This resulted in approximately $100,000 worth of loans given to more than 1300 individuals who desired a fresh start.

This past summer proved to be a rude awakening for the citizens of Pakistan as flood waters wreaked havoc and devastation throughout the nation.

Due to the Pakistan floods 1.6 million acres of crops have been destroyed. The situation in Pakistan and countless other countries is heart-wrenching however; there remains in the people a passion to change. HHRD applauds this fervor and hopes to provide the necessary means in order to ensure a stable future for these victims.

Helping Hand's future vision is to provide interest free micro financing to deserving people in order to help them set up business for their livelihood and sustainability. We have plans to extend it to at least one thousand families in the near future.

Please donate please visit www.hhrd.org/donate

Walaykum Assalaam WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu

-HHRD Team

Women Empowerment and Adult Literacy...

2011-01-26T18:36:00.000-08:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu

Economic Empowerment for Women:

Helping Hand for Relief and Development emphasizes on skill development to support productivity and self employment and works to articulate it as per the community needs.

Skill development centers have been built to separately train male and female members of society. Women and younger girls focus on sewing, embroidery, and computers. This not only helps to build confidence in these individuals but allows them to be productive members of their household and society.

The main goal behind these centers is to provide an appropriate education in an atmosphere which fosters lifelong erudition and high expectations of achievement in the people of the flood affected areas. The objective is to help flood effected widows and less advantaged women establish their lives and become self-sufficient.

Bringing Adult Literacy to the Forefront:

Pakistan is ranked among one of the lowest in terms of human development indicators. Illiteracy of women is more severe. In rural areas the situation is even worse where the responsibilities of women in these places are multifarious. Besides raising a large number of children, they have to take care of the whole household including relatives. They even have to share the burden of the males in the agricultural fields. With all these responsibilities and eventual hard physical work their health and nutrition are always at stake. Moreover, illiteracy and superstition make them highly vulnerable in terms of sufferings and disrespect.

Education and awareness can equip them to play their desired role with dignity and efficiency. Moreover, they can be the most effective catalyst in promoting child education, adult literacy and good health and hygiene practices in society.

Join hands with Helping Hand to help bring these women out of the darkness of ignorance and into the light of knowledge so they too can enjoy the benefits and comforts of an education.

Sri Lanka Amidst the Floods:

With more than 300,000 people displaced by the floods and 11 of the 25 districts submerged in flood waters, the citizens of Sri Lanka are still in dire need to emergency relief and aid. The worst hit areas of eastern and central Sri Lanka have now found themselves dealing with the aftermath of receding waters and the devastation therein. With the threat of water borne diseases on the rise, funds are needed to provide the proper medication for the people of Sri Lanka along with the necessary compensation for their livestock and farms.

Please continue to keep the people of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, along with the million others who are facing such calamities in your prayers, and visit our website www.hhrd.org to send a heartfelt donation.

Wasalaam Walaykum WaRahmatuallhi WaBarakathu

-HHRD Team

Severe Winter Weather for Flood Victims

2011-01-19T18:22:00.001-08:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu

Pakistan Earthquake: Pakistanis across the country were startled in the early morning hours by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that sent tremors as far as Dubai and the UAE. Remote areas of Baluchistan and Quetta were hit the hardest as the numbers of causalities are slowly trickling in. Helping Hand for Relief and Development is closely monitoring the situation and will contact its donors if any help is needed.

Winter Flood Campaign: The floods of 2010 in Pakistan have left over 10 million people without the basic necessities to cope with the fierce winter weather ahead. Donating $50, which includes the cost for transportation, will allow for one winter package to reach these families.

Package includes: 2 Comforters, 2 Warm Cotton Bedding (Tulaee), Winter Shawl, 2 Sweaters, Woolen Hat, and 2 Woolen Scarves.

For more information please visit HHRD’s dedicated Pakistan Relief website at www.reliefforpakistan.org

Haiti - The Journey Continues: Amidst the calamities faced by nations across the globe one must not forget the continuous struggle of the people of Haiti. HHRD programs are currently up and running Alhumdulillah and we ask our donors to continue their ongoing support.

Skills Development Centers are underway to teach the necessary skills so that individuals can stand up and become self sufficient.

For further information on HHRD's ongoing projects visit www.muslimsforhaiti.org

Wasalaam Walaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu

-HHRD Team

Emergency Relief: Sri Lanka Flooded due to Torrential Rains...

2011-01-15T22:02:00.001-08:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatuallahi WaBarakatahu

Torrential rains in the eastern province of Sri Lanka have caused severe flooding. It has been the worst rainfall recorded in the last 100 years.

According to Center of Disaster Management in Sri Lanka 1.8 million people have been displaced. According to the weather forecast these rains are going to continue. The death toll is continuing to rise, UN Reports that at least 37 people have been confirmed dead.

Many families have been temporarily sheltered at schools and other public places because the floods have destroyed their houses.

For immediate emergency response HHRD partners have started providing cooked meals to the victims of the floods.

Dry rations are being provided to the poor and needy. Contents of dry ration are as follows: rice, flour, sugar, tea, lentils, salt, powder milk and infant milk food.

Immediate funds are needed to help the victims of these devastating floods. They will need our emergency relief response and continued support through this hour of need.

-HHRD Team

A Year Later: Haiti still needs us...

2011-01-12T18:22:00.001-08:00

People across the world rung in the New Year by restoring resolutions and renewed hopes of prosperity. However, there are countless individuals who arise each morning praying for the same as they hope and pray that their hardship ends. The people of Haiti are such individuals who have seen the wrath of natural disasters and now a year after their sudden calamity the aftershocks of dismay continue to linger.

Helping Hand for Relief and Development was one of the few relief organizations that responded immediately to the need for emergency relief. Launching a $1.5 million appeal to its worldwide donors HHRD representatives came together to map out the relief work needed to be done for such a horrendous scale of devastation.

HHRD Heard the Call, And Answered It: HHRD's emergency relief operations focus on 3 main levels of provision:

1. Medical Assistance

2. Shelter

3. Food and Clothing

Mobile and Rotational Clinics: HHRD Doctors worked round the clock to tend to the wounded. Six rotational clinics were being operated in the most remote areas with little or no medical help; treating more than 2,000 people per week and vaccinations were provided to over 300 men, women and children.

Over $160,000 worth of medication was administered to over 11,000 patients. Due to urgent need, a full-time local Haitian Doctor was hired, accompanied by a female doctor who especially tended to women's health issues.

Shelter Village: HHRD set out to rebuild Haiti by constructing 102 of permanent shelters. These shelters were constructed into a village where they also built a school and a place of worship. With over 200 children playing admits the rubble parents welcomed this move to provide their children with an education which also helped to keep them occupied and safe.

Food and Clothing: In Kind donation centers were setup across the United States in California, Michigan, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Maryland, Georgia, and Virginia. Donors dropped of boxes of basic necessities and containers were loaded to be shipped immediately to Haiti.

Youth for Haiti Program: This program invited college students from all over the country to participate in volunteer relief work in Haiti during their respective spring break. After a rigorous selection process nearly 30 college students were chosen to spend four week long rotations in batches of 10 to volunteer in the areas of medical assistance and building shelter villages alongside supervised professionals.

A New Year Marks New Concerns: Though a year has passed the country of Haiti and its people are still in dire need of assistance to get through their daily struggles. Now with the outbreak of cholera and the heightened need for medical assistance HHRD requests its donors to keep these people in their thoughts and prayers.

“I have to admit that I am absolutely amazed and inspired by the people of Haiti. Despite their poor living conditions, they were so full of life and optimism. I'm amazed by their spirit, their perseverance, and their rare ability to find happiness in even the smallest of things. They were the most hospitable people I have ever come across. I personally feel a bit guilty because I feel that I benefited more from them than they have from me,” shares Raihan Dakhil a volunteer in the Youth for Haiti program.

Skills Development Center: As the world marks the one year anniversary of Haiti's earthquake HHRD hopes that its efforts in the region allows for victims to stand on their own feet and become self sufficient. Though the work there is far from over, it is imperative that each and every individual be taught the proper skills for not only survival but also success. HHRD has established a skill development center that allows Haitians to once again become independent and flourish as not only a people but a nation.

The work there is far from over, the country requires long term developmental projects such as sanitary water, education institutions, properly utilizing natural resources and much more. Hundreds of children are now orphans, while hundreds of women are now widows but within each there lies a vow to never forget how things were and to always remember that at least now life is better than before. As human beings and more importantly as Muslims we cannot turn a blind eye to the evil in this world and the tragedy that millions of people are facing. Let us be those who lend a helping hand and dust off the fallen for today’s calamity can be tomorrow’s reality for many of us.

HHRD humbly requests its donors to continue their ongoing support for the people of Haiti and those unfortunate across the world. For further information on HHRD's work in Haiti please visit www.muslimsforhaiti.org or www.hhrd.org.

Flood victims desperately need winter packages

2011-01-05T18:03:00.001-08:00

Assalaam Alykum,

10 million people have lost everything and their homes during the floods of 2010. And now the displaced flood victims are facing a harsh winter.
HHRD is trying to get to as many flood affected areas as possible before blizzards hit and it gets more difficult to transport Winter Packages through the already broken bridges and roads.

The family winter package includes: 2 Comforters, 2 Warm Cotton Bedding (Tulaee), Winter Shawl, 2 Sweaters, Woolen Hat, and 2 Woolen Scarves.

$50 package includes transporting the items to the flood affected areas.
For more information please visit HHRD’s dedicated Pakistan Relief website at www.reliefforpakistan.org

-HHRD Team

Pakistan Flood Victims Brace for Harsh Winter...

2010-12-29T14:43:00.001-08:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu,

This year families in the flood affected areas will find it hard to survive the harsh winter. Peaks surrounding Swat are already covered in snow. Now the villages are getting covered in snow as well. But this time, winter will be ruthless for the already displaced flood victims. (BBC News)

Due to severe winter weather in Pakistan Helping Hand for Relief and Development has prepared a family winter package:

2 Comforters, 2 Warm Cotton Bedding (Tulaee), Winter Shawl, 2 Sweaters, Woolen hat, and 2 woolen scarves.

It is a $50 package that includes transporting the items to the flood affected areas.

These items will be transported to all 4 provinces’ affected districts.

Winter here is severe, and yet it is a great reminder of the blessings we have; clothes to keep us warm and well equipped homes to keep us protected. As we thank Allah (swt) for his blessings, please remember and help the lives of many who have been displaced during this harsh winter weather.

For more information please visit www.reliefforpakistan.org.

Reminder: 2 days left to make tax deductible donations for year 2010.

JazakAllah Khair,

HHRD Team

Looking Back 2010 - Make your tax deductible donation today

2010-12-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu

This past year will be remembered as one of trials and tribulations mainly for the people of Haiti and Pakistan but as well as, those who battle with poverty every day. Nevertheless, through these struggles there are stories of triumph and victory in which the countless HHRD donors, volunteers and representatives play a key role. Let's take a moment and recount these victories as we continue on this journey of recovery.

Listed below are the many projects that HHRD continues to operate across the globe.

Emergency Relief:
Pakistan: 2,482,662 meals delivered to Pakistan Flood victims. Base camp medical clinics were established in 16 affected areas.www.reliefforpakistan.org.

Haiti: 6 rotational clinics were setup for initial three months. A complete shelter village was erected with 100 shelters, 1 masjid and 1 school for the Haitian Community of Leogone, one of the most affected regions of the Haiti Earthquake 2010 www.muslimsforhaiti.org.

In-Kind Donations: With the help of dedicated donors HHRD was able to send $3,570,000 worth of In-Kind donations to the victims of Pakistan Floods and $164,690 worth of medicines to Haiti. HHRD now has In-Kind Donation centers across the US. You may call or visit our website for more information on how to donate non-monetary items to disaster affected victims.

Health and Medical: HHRD is a top contributor in the World Health Organizations efforts in health and medical services after the catastrophic floods in the most affected areas in Pakistan in 2010. Over 150,000 medical consultations were conducted after Pakistan Floods 2010; along with 11,734 medical consultations after Haiti Earthquake 2010.

More than 1700 patients benefited by physical rehabilitation; including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and artificial limbs. Over 7000 benefited through follow-up visits.

Interest Free Micro-Financing: Your one time donation allows for interest free loans for the poor, the unemployed and the widows. That family uses that money to start a small business or buy a sewing machine for example that will become a source of livelihood for them. For those who are in difficult situations, these loans help them get back on their feet and become a contributing member of society. Interest-free loans have shown a repayment rate of 99.8%.The cycle continues and it becomes a form a sadaqa–e-jariya. The best form of charity.

Water for Life: 884 million people across the world lack access to safe water supplies. This means about one in eight people around the world are deprived of clean water to drink. A child dies from a water related disease every 20 seconds. (UN Report)
Helping Hand for Relief and Development is providing those millions of people with this basic need; one glass of water at a time. Please support the Water for Life programs at HHRD.

Orphan Sponsor Program: HHRD is supporting over 4000 orphans worldwide. This year HHRD has launched a new Orphans website that will allow our donors to view orphans’ profiles and provide each donor who’s sponsored an orphan an account for future updates. Please visitwww.hhrd.org/OSP

Training and Capacity Building:
Summer Internship Program: A 2 month summer internships provided a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills in the field of social services where interns from across USA participated.

Youth for Haiti: With HHRD, college students went to assist in building shelters, volunteer in medical camps and taught Haitian children in small class rooms during their spring breaks from all over the US.

Ramadan: 2,481,662 meals were served across Pakistan in the most affected flood areas during Ramadan and on Eid ul Fitr. HHRD made a food package distribution among Haiti earthquake victims in Ramadan. One of a kind FITRA mobile campaign was started by HHRD. Text ‘FITRA’ to 27722.

Women Empowerment: Many women are left to make the decision of providing for their families when their lives are changed after the loss of their sole providers. HHRD helps them computer skills, vocational training and provides them sewing machines to start their small businesses to support their children.

Education: Education is a key element in alleviating poverty. It allows one to help themselves and the community.
Gaza Education Fund: In collaboration with the United Nation, HHRD is helping educate children in Gaza.
Orphans’ education can be supported by our Orphan Sponsor Program in very needy countries globally.

Global Zabiha Program: Zabiha/Udhiya/Qurbani performed in over 55 countries around the world. Last year’s contributions helped feed over half a million needy around the world; most of whom do not have the luxury of eating meat the whole year. The sacrifice was performed locally, involving the local communities and regions in the Global Zabiha Program; strengthening the bond of humanity.

Skills and Vocational Training: It is HHRD’s mission to help alleviate poverty by giving the needy tools to become a contributing member of society. HHRD’s skills and vocational training centers allow men and women to gain skills to provide for their family and future.

Come join us in making 2011 a year of further triumphs by contributing to these ongoing projects. Remember there is still time to make a tax deductible donations by December 31,st 2010 before year end receipts are mailed out to our donors.

Wasalaam Walaykum WaRahamatullahi WaBarakathau

-HHRD Team

Reporting Back-Pakistan Floods 2010

2010-12-16T11:19:00.000-08:00

Assalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatahu

It is often said that lessons from the past make for a better future, and there is no doubt that the calamity that struck the people of Pakistan was a moment for Muslims across the globe to reevaluate their lives. With tender hearts Muslims of various backgrounds, who spoke different languages and resided in distant locations came together to answer this call for assistance. Though the flood waters have begun to recede the work continues to proceed with hopes of stability.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves
As a large portion of Pakistan lay submerged in the flood waters in late August of this year the current sent waves of turmoil and distress across the nation.

- 20 million people were affected by the flood of which 14 million required immediate emergency relief
- 6 million people are in need of food daily as 3.5 million children become vulnerable to water born diseases

Helping Hand for Relief and Development Rides the Waves
HHRD through the heartfelt donations of compassionate donors from across the world set out to provide necessary aid to the people of Pakistan by launching their "Relief for Pakistan" campaign. Their efforts provided food, In Kind donations, medical relief and shelter to the millions of affected people. Furthermore, HHRD launched www.reliefforpakistan.org website as a tool to record updates from Pakistan as relief work was under way.

More than 3 million meals were provided to the needy accompanied by HHRD's Global Zabihah Program. Though this program was launched to provide aid to 55 countries, donors were encouraged to send a portion of their Eid ul Adha sacrifice to the people of Pakistan.

21 containers filled with medicine, emergency relief items such as food, water, warm clothing etc were sent to the Pakistani ports from the USA. Upon reaching Pakistan these items were immediately distributed to the needy throughout the nation.

Medical Relief was most necessary with the spread of water born diseases and HHRD set out to provide over 800 clinics where more than 135,000 patients were treated. The most heartwarming aspect of this was the birth of 15 little children at these clinics.

Shelters are being established in hopes of providing long term relief to the homeless. Moreover, HHRD hopes that through it's Interest Free Micro Financing program the people of Pakistan can stand back on their feet and recycle their earnings as they provide for their own families.

These Efforts Must Continue
Though HHRD has mobilized its efforts with the help of its donors, there is more work that needs to be done for the people of Pakistan. People continue to require medical assistance and emergency relief. $1,900 can help provide a home, $15,000 is need to provide education to the innocent children, $35,000 is needed to provide clean water and ensure proper hygiene and sanitation, $42,000 will provide 100 orphans with the loving support they need, and $45,000 will help establish healthcare units.

The purpose of reporting back is to illustrate the work that has taken place and how much more still need to be done. Together, we can put together our efforts and help our Pakistani brothers and sisters. HHRD requests its donors to continue with their loving support and visit our website www.hhrd.org or call 1-888-808-HELP.

Please remember to visit our website www.reliefforpakistan.org for further updates.

Wasalaam Walaykum WaRahamatullahi WaBarakatahu
-HHRD Team

A New Year: Renewed Hope for Those in Need

2010-12-08T17:58:00.000-08:00

Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wabarakathu,

The Islamic new year of Muharram 1432 has come upon us and with the trials and tribulations of last year as a reminder; let’s look forward and pray for a year of recovery, blessings and reward.
Helping Hand for Relief and Development, through its various projects and programs, hopes to bring back a sense of normalcy and ease to those in need by bridging the gap between its honorable donors and the calamity stricken people of the world.

Launch of "Orphan Sponsorship Program" Website

It is with this zeal that HHRD is pleased to announce its "Orphan Sponsorship Program" website. With much ease donors will be able to support a specific child on an ongoing basis. Your donation, either through monthly or annual payment is given directly to the orphan’s family or guardian. You will receive your orphans profile within two weeks of the first donation and the progress reports throughout the year. These donations contribute towards helping more than one orphan. Your donations are used to provide for the orphans’ education, books, stationary items and food in some instances. General Orphans Support can make a significant difference in an orphan’s life.

Please take a moment to visit www.hhrd.org/OSP and familiarize your self with this donor friendly initiative.

Upcoming Events:

Mark your calendars for HHRD's "Let's Rebuild Pakistan" events across the country. Three events will be held on the same day to pool together the efforts of providing aid and comfort to our brothers and sisters in Pakistan.

'Let’s Rebuild Pakistan'
December 11th, 2010
Their live's shattered and their livelihood broken. Interest-Free loans for farmers, Skills Development, Sponsor Orphans, Home Constructions, Medical Care and Education

FLORIDA:
Empower the Less Fortunate
Jama Masjid
7326 East Sligh Ave.
Tampa, FL 33610
(407) 431-5396

CALIFORNIA
Rebuild Lives
New Ashiyana's
245 S. Gentle Springs Ln.
Diamond Bar, CA 91756
(951) 858-8513

TEXAS
Illustrating Pakistan
Come. Discover. Give
The Gateway Center
801 North Texas Blvd.
Denton, TX 76201
(630) 709-5480

To purchase online tickets please click here.

As always please take a moment to visit our website www.hhrd.org for an update of HHRD's efforts across the world. We pray the new year brings for you happiness, blessings and peace.

Wasalaam Walyakum Wa Rahmatullahi Wabarakathu
- HHRD Team

Their smiles show gratitude...

2010-12-01T20:46:00.001-08:00

Assalaamu Alykum,

This year Helping Hand for Relief and Development performed Udhiya/Zabiha/Qurbani for over half million needy in more than 55 countries around the world.

The sacrifice was performed locally, involving the local communities and regions in the Global Zabiha Program; strengthening the bond of humanity.

HHRD would like to thank all our donors for contributing towards this once a year joy given to the countless people who do not get to eat meat rest of the year.
Their gratitude showed in every smile while receiving the Zabiha/Udhiya/Qurbani packets. Thank you.

JazakAllah Khair,

-HHRD Team

Happy Eid-ul-Adha from HHRD...still time to perform Zabiha

2010-11-17T17:46:00.001-08:00

Assalaamu Alykum,

A very happy Eid-ul-Adha from Helping Hand for Relief and Development.

May the joy of this Eid fill our homes and bless our families.

A reminder; there is still time to perform Udhiya/Zabiha/Qurbani.

Deadline for orders is Friday 19, 3:00 am Eastern Standard Time.

To make last minute Zabiha Udhiya Qurbani please visit www.hhrd.org

Note: All Zabiha will be performed after USA and Canada Eid Prayer times.

Country

India
100 Goat
55 Cow Share (7 shares = 1 cow)

Sudan (Darfur)
120 Goat
70 Cow Share (7 shares = 1 cow)

Kenya
65 Goat
50 Cow Share (7 shares = 1 cow)

Somalia
60 Goat
55 Cow Share (7 shares = 1 cow)

To view a complete list of countries and make last minute Zabiha Udhiya Qurbani please visit www.hhrd.org

-HHRD Team

Last minute Zabiha/Udhiya/Qurbani..

2010-11-16T05:32:00.001-08:00

Assalaamu Alykum,

Helping Hand for Relief and Development HHRD Global Zabiha program in more than 55 countries. All animals are slaughtered locally to boost local Muslim economy. Zabiha Orders Deadline:HHRD will be taking Zabiha orders until Friday 3:00 am EST. Some countries in need of your Udhiya/Zabiha/Qurbani:

Country:
India

100 Goat

55 Cow Share (7 shares = 1 cow)

Sudan (Darfur)

120 Goat

70 Cow Share (7 shares = 1 cow)

Kenya

65 Goat

50 Cow Share (7 shares = 1 cow)

Somalia

60 Goat

55 Cow Share (7 shares = 1 cow)

To perform Qurbani/Zabiha and view a complete list of countries please visit www.hhrd.org Please remember the over half million around the globe who wait the whole year to receive meat from HHRD Zabiha/Udhiya/Qurbani Program. Please make additional sacrifice to help the needy celebrate Eid in Joy.

Share Eid. Share Joy.

-HHRD Team

Your Zabiha/Qurbani/Udhiya in Africa...

2010-11-11T09:24:00.000-08:00

Assalaamu Alykum,

Abu Huraira narrated that the Prophet (sws) said: "There are no days more loved to Allah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the later night prayer on the night of power. (i.e. Laylatul Qadr)."

Africa is the second largest continent in the world and also one of the poorest. More than one quarter of the children are underweight. HHRD annually performs Zabiha in Africa; giving the poorest of the countries the nourishment of meat, where food itself is scarce.

We are now in the month of Dhul Hijjah; the most blessed days are upon us. Many of us are looking forward to celebrating Eid with our family over a sumptuous meal. HHRD would like to request everyone to make an additional sacrifice for the people of Africa in Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan (Darfur) and Somalia.

Helping Hand for Relief and Development is performing Zabiha in over 55 countries distributing meat among more than half million needy people, who don’t get to eat meat the rest of the year.

Share Eid. Share Joy.

-HHRD Team

Share Eid. Share Joy. Zabiha Udhiya Qurbani...

2010-11-04T10:48:00.001-07:00

Assalaamu Alykum,

Thank you to those who participated and joined in our ‘Reporting Back – Pakistan Flood Relief’ Telethon on Sunday October 31st, 2010.

Helping Hand for Relief and Development is performing the Global Zabiha Program in over 55 countries. More than half million needy will benefit from this year’s Udhiya/Qurbani. These Zabiha are being performed in areas where people don’t have meat all year round. With your help they will receive the joy in celebrating EID. Share Joy. Share Eid.

Pakistan Flood Relief dedicated website www.reliefforpakistan.org has the latest updates from the field. To watch the devastation of the floods please click here.

Majority of their cattle is destroyed. We would like to request an additional Qurbani/Zabiha for the flood affected in Pakistan.

For a complete list of countries please visit www.hhrd.org. If you have any questions, please call 1-888-808-4357.

-HHRD Team

Tomorrow LIVE Telethon at 3pm-7pm - Pakistan Flood Relief...

2010-10-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alykum,

This Sunday October 31st, 2010 Helping Hand for Relief and Development is Reporting Back on Pakistan Flood Relief. HHRD will update our donors about medical relief, orphans, In-Kind donations, emergency relief, and introduce Adopt-a-Village.

Tune in for a LIVE 4 hour telethon on Express TV, HUM TV or www.hhrd.org from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm EST.

Join us along with community leaders and celebrities supporting relief for Pakistan. See how you can help with giving the victims a place to live, provide for clean water and sanitation and Share the Joy of Eid with them.

20 million Pakistanis are affected.

Your support will make a difference in the lives of many.

-HHRD Team

Additional Zabiha/Qurbani for Flood Victims

2010-10-29T19:38:00.001-07:00

Assalaam Alikum,

Reporting Back – Pakistan Flood Relief:

Helping Hand for Relief and Development is REPORTING BACK! Please tune in on October 31st, 2010 between 3pm – 7pm.
This LIVE 4 Hour Telethon will be aired on HUM TV and Express News Channel. It will be simultaneously broadcasted on our website at www.hhrd.org.

Our flood Relief activities are still underway; mainly because the need is immense. The field hospitals set up by HHRD are still seeing increasing amount of patients with persisting diseases like skin infection, diarrhea, malaria, and urinary tract infections.

HHRD is launching an Adopt a Village project for the victims of the flood relief. There are millions still homeless. Project details will be mentioned in the broadcast on Sunday.

This year millions have lost their cattle and animals. They will not be able to perform Zabiha for their family. Please make an additional Qurbani/Zabiha for the victims for the flood. Share Joy. Share Eid – Global Zabiha Program. HHRD is helping to perform Zabiha in over 50 countries this year and will benefit over half million needy around the world.

United Against Hunger – Standing Up For Justice
Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) has launched a month long campaign to raise awareness about hunger in the United States. More information is available at icna.org/hunger.
A man asked the Prophet Muhammad “What is the best Islam?” He replied: “The best Islam is that you feed the hungry and spread peace among people you know and those you do not know.”

Thank you for your continuous support.

-HHRD Team

Reporting Back...

2010-10-22T11:28:00.001-07:00

Assalaam Alykum,

REPORTING BACK! Join us for a detailed report of HHRD’s emergency response to the unprecedented disaster in Pakistan.
There will be a LIVE 4 hour webcast on www.hhrd.org. On October 31st, 2010 from 3pm – 7pm EST. A complete update on HHRD efforts in Pakistan. You can also view a LIVE telethon on Express News and HUM TV.

Due to Pakistan Floods 20 million people are affected, 14 million are in need of emergency health care, 6 million are in need of food and 3.5 million children vulnerable to water borne diseases.

Through Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) $4.5 million worth of items have been sent for the flood victims, including medical equipment worth $900,000. $1 million worth of goods have been distributed among the flood victims already. HHRD has distributed 2.4 million meals in the most affected flood areas to date. Currently HHRD is running 8 field hospitals across Pakistan.

Please visit www.hhrd.org to choose from over 50 countries from our Global Zabiha Program. Share your Joy during Eid with over half million needy around the world.

Please also remember to make an additional Qurbani/Zabiha/Udhiya for the floods victims in Pakistan. Many, who used to perform Zabiha/Qurbani in the past, will now be standing in line for Zabiha/Qurbani from donors like you.

Please visit the HHRD Pakistan Flood Relief website for more details at www.reliefforpakistan.org

Text HHRD to 27722 to donate towards Pakistan Flood Relief.

Helping Hand for relief and Development (HHRD) is one of the leading international non-profit organizations. [501 (c) (3) - Federal IRS Tax Exempt ID: 31-1628040].

Season of Sacrifice and Giving...

2010-10-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

Asslaam Alykum,

Every year Helping Hand for Relief and Development feeds thousands of needy individuals by offering a sacrifice on behalf of donors like you.

This year your share will feed over half a million people around the Muslim world. The Global Zabiha Program will reach more than 55 countries this year.

It is a time of sacrifice and giving.

The Global Zabiha program will allow you to perform Zabiha of your choice in the country of your choice. HHRD involves local communities and regions in the Zabiha Program; strengthening the bond of humanity.

This year we request everyone to make an additional sacrifice for Pakistan Flood Relief victims. 20 million people are displaced and millions go hungry each day. Pakistan floods are the largest disaster in the history.

Please visit www.hhrd.org to view a complete list of Countries and prices online of goat and cow shares or you can call 1-888-808-4357 to make a Qurbani/Zabiha.

-HHRD Team

Pakistan Flood Relief Update.....

2010-10-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alykum,

Medical Relief:

On October 4th, 2010, the United Nations has reported suspected 250,000 cases of malaria (which is expected to increase to about 2-million), 881,000 cases of diarrhea, 840,000 cases of skin diseases and almost 1 million cases of respiratory disorders."

Keeping this in perspective, with the slowly receding water, HHRD has now established 8 field hospitals under large tents. They will be turned into permanent fixtures in the heavily flood-affected areas as the need persists; with a special focus on women and children. To date there have been 12 safe deliveries in the HHRD Medical Clinics. We pray that these children remain healthy and protected from the devastation of the floods.

In-Kind Donations:

HHRD has been sending continuous in-kind donation containers every week to Pakistan from various U.S. cities, to help with medical equipments, food, blankets, personal hygiene things, shoes, and basic necessities. To date, $4.5 million worth of items have been sent for the flood victims, including medical equipment worth $900,000. $1 million worth of goods have been distributed among the flood victims already. Thanks to all the hard working volunteers who helped send these containers to Pakistan.

Food Distribution:

HHRD has distributed 2.4 million meals in the most affected flood areas to date.
Pakistan Flood Relief is not prevalent in the news anymore; 20 million people are affected, 14 million are in need of emergency health care, 6 million are in need of food and children are affected the most. Please continue your support.

You can visit HHRD's dedicated website for Pakistan flood relief; www.reliefforpakistan.org for latest updates.

To donate please visit www.hhrd.org or call 1-888-808-4357 (HELP).

Take the Initiate. Rebuild Pakistan.

To donate $10 Text HHRD to 27722 towards Pakistan Flood Relief.

-HHRD Team

2 months in..Pakistan Flood Relief

2010-09-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alykum,

Initially HHRD was running 13 medical camps across Pakistan; volunteer doctors, paramedics and ambulances would set up clinic every morning and close at sunset, though a few were running 24 hours a day.

Alhamdulillah as the water is receding; Helping Hand for Relief and Development is changing its course of action to help the flood victims of Pakistan.

HHRD has now established 8 field hospitals, which will be a permanent fixture to the heavily flood affected areas.

2 field hospitals in Pakhtunkhwa Khaiber, 2 field hospitals in Southern Punjab, 3 field hospitals in Sindh and 1 field hospital in Baluchistan.

In the midst of tragedy, on September 25th, 2010 a new life was born in one of HHRD’s medical camps. In such adversity there was news that allowed the family of the young boy to rejoice. It was by the grace of God, then with the help of donors like you and a very dedicated HHRD team that such a miracle was possible. He is among many children who are born after the worst disaster in the history has hit Pakistan.

It becomes our responsibility to give these new lives a better future in Pakistan.

Over 1 million meals have been distributed across Pakistan. Victims have lost everything in the flood; there is sheer hopelessness in the morale of the flood victims.

HHRD has been sending continuous containers to Pakistan from the US to help with medical equipments, food, blankets, shoes and basic necessity items.

To find the nearest collection location please visit www.reliefforpakistan.org

Please join Helping Hand for Relief and Development to

Take the Initiate. Rebuild Pakistan. You can donate at www.hhrd.org or Text HHRD to 27722 to donate $10 to the victims of the flood.

For latest updates and pictures from the field please visit HHRD’s Pakistan Flood Relief dedicated website: www.reliefforpakistan.org.

-HHRD Team

flood appeal raised to $10 million...

2010-09-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alaikum,

Over the past month and half we have been collecting items like rice, sugar, lentils, baby formula, blankets, jackets, diapers, over the counter medical supplies and clean drinking water, across the US, for the flood victims who have lost everything.

For a complete list of items being collected please visit: http://reliefforpakistan.org/In-kind_Donation_Final_List.pdf. Note: We are not collecting clothes except the winter items listed.

We want to thank all the volunteers and donors who came out and contributed basic necessities that are needed for the victims of the Pakistan Floods. So far:

10 non-medical containers have been sent.

2 medical containers have been sent to Pakistan for immediate medical help in the HHRD Medical camps that have been running daily to provide the much needed medical help for flood relief. Malaria, skin infections and diarrhea are becoming common. See HHRD medical Statistics at www.reliefforpakistan.org

3 more containers are scheduled to go to Pakistan this week insha’Allah.

$2.1 million worth of In-Kind donations will be sent to Pakistan by the end of this week from HHRD.

We are still collecting In-Kind donations. Please contact your local HHRD office listed on www.hhrd.org or you can call 1-888-808-4357 to find the nearest collection center.

For a complete list of items being collected please visit: http://reliefforpakistan.org/In-kind_Donation_Final_List.pdf
Note: We are not collecting clothes.

Thank you for your continuous support and dedication. Victims of the flood can only pray for the people who send these items for help. Please keep them in your prayers as well.

-HHRD Team

Water and Sanitation: Flood Relief Appeal...

2010-09-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

Assalaam Alykum,

Helping Hand for Relief and Development is on the ground helping the affected. And among the many issues that the flood victims are dealing with the main one is of water sanitation. There isn’t enough clean drinking water for the flood victims.
A sip of the contaminated water can be deadly. HHRD is urging everyone to donate to Water for Life program to help the flood victims with clean water and sanitation.

The 16 HHRD medical relief clinics providing health treatment are seeing increasing number of cases, mostly related to water borne diseases. They are seeing cases of diarrhea, skin allergies, eye infections, scabies, malaria and malnutrition. Due to extended starvation and low immune health many are vulnerable to epidemic diseases and children are especially susceptible.

The ones that have survived are not only faced with health conditions but will also have problems making a living for themselves due the unprecedented damage to crops and livestock.

Helping Hand for Relief and Development will be offering Interest Free loans to flood victims so they can start rebuilding their lives and take the right steps towards the development of their and countries future.

Please view pictures from the Eid Food Distribution of 672,000 meals across Pakistan at www.reliefforpakistan.org.

Please donate generously towards rebuilding Pakistan. Please visit www.reliefforpakistan.org for latest HHRD Pakistan Flood Relief.

-HHRD Team

Wishing you a Blessed and Joyous Eid.....

2010-09-10T09:31:00.001-07:00

Assalaamu Alikum,

A very Happy Eid Mubarak from Helping Hand for Relief and Development.

May Allah accept our fasts and prayers during the month of Ramadan and allow us to keep the same spirit for the rest of the year. May the mercy and blessings of Allah be with you and your family on this blessed day.

We would like to thank you for continuous support and commitment to helping people around the world who are in need and are less fortunate than us. Their gratitude and appreciation is apparent in their smiles whenever aid has reached them.

Please remember them in your prayers on this day and keep the spirit of giving alive.
www.hhrd.org

-HHRD Team

Zakat-ul-Fitr: Last few days of Ramadan....

2010-09-06T19:59:00.001-07:00

Assalaamu Alykum,

Zakat-ul-Fitr is a special charity of the month of Ramadan. On a spiritual level, charity during Ramadan is meant to expiate oneself. On a social level it’s a balancing act between the rich and poor. It is incumbent upon Muslims to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr before the end of Ramadan, to the less fortunate so they can provide for their families on Eid, the celebration after the month of fasting, in a befitting manner. The head of the household must pay this amount on behalf of all the members or the dependant, males or females, adults or children.

Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) has started a first of its kind Zakat-ul-Fitr campaign to help the victims of Pakistan flood victims. All proceeds will be delivered to the victims before the end of Ramadan.

HHRD has already delivered 1.1 Million meals to the victims in heavily flooded areas. This week 672,000 more meals are going to be distributed.

On September 3, 2010 HHRD distributed food ration amongst the earthquake victims of Haiti as well.

Currently HHRD is running medical clinics for the flood victims in 13 locations across Pakistan. Some clinics, in the most affected areas are running 24 hours a day. Doctors at the HHRD clinics are seeing cases like chest infections, suspected cholera, malaria, typhoid, yellow fever, scabies and skin infections.

HHRD has arranged In-Kind donation containers from Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, California and Michigan. All boxed items will reach Pakistan by end of September.

“Every dollar counts. Every effort counts. If you have already extended help, please forward this message to your friends, family, co-workers and communities. We have to come out in great numbers to help the affected of Pakistan,” said Fazal-ur-Rahman; Country Director of Pakistan – HHRD.

Helping Hand for Relief and Development is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization. Tax ID# 31-1628040.

You can visit HHRD’s dedicated website for Pakistan flood relief; www.reliefforpakistan.org for latest updates.

To donate please visit www.hhrd.org or call 1-888-808-4357(HELP).

In these last blessed days of Ramadan, please keep the people suffering around the world in your prayers.

HHRD Team

Save an Orphan...

2010-09-02T21:17:00.001-07:00

Assalaam Alykum,

On July 16-18th, 2010, before the devastating floods affected the area of Balakot, Helping Hand for Relief and Development’s Orphans Department had a 3-day Summer Camp for young leaders from our Orphan cluster in Hazara.

These camps allow the Orphans to develop social skills, build confidence, self respect and service skills. Social skills help them to develop leadership skills, communication and participation along with responsibility.

There were future plans of Eid Gifts, allowances for Orphans, Medical Screenings and Hygiene Kits but the Floods have affected these Orphans and their families need our help. In general orphans and their families are living in substandard homes or in unsafe (lower than well built) areas which were exposed to severe rainfalls this year. Most of the houses are damaged.

HHRD has sponsored Orphans in 16 countries across the globe. Please consider sponsoring Orphans in those countries as well.

There are 2 different types of Orphans programs at HHRD:

Orphan Sponsorship (1 to 1): allows you to support a specific child on an ongoing basis. The money you donate, either thorough monthly or annual payments is given directly top the orphans family or guardian. You receive the orphan’s full profile after your initial donation and regular progress reports during the year.

General Orphan Support: This can be a donation of any amount and can be a one time donation as well. Here your donation contributes towards helping more than one orphan. Your donations are used towards benefitting the orphans’ educational needs.

Your donations towards the Orphan Program can make a significance difference in an Orphans’ life.

We are in the last 10 days of Ramadan. It is the best time to make the most of our Zakat and last few days to make our Fitra donations.

You may Text FITRA to 27722 to donate $10 to give your Fitra towards Pakistan Flood Relief.

HHRD Team

1.1 million meals delivered; 672,000 more: Pakistan Flood Relief...

2010-08-31T14:23:00.001-07:00

Assalaam Alikum,
"We are trapped in the flood water. We have nothing to eat or drink. Please rescue us. Our lives are in danger. For God's sake rescue us, otherwise we will die. Please help us, please!" Khyber Husain, Jacobabad, Sindh – This was a call made to ‘lifeline Pakistan’ service provided by 34 FM through BBC World.

There are undying efforts being executed by Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD):

Twenty four hour medical clinics are running in some of the most remote areas.
During these last 10 days of Ramadan, HHRD will deliver food to the poor and needy of Pakistan, mostly in flood affected areas; 672,000 meals, inshaAllah, during the last Ashrah of the month of Ramadan.
The distribution is being carried out across Pakistan, from Kaimari to Gilgit, Alhamdolillah.

HHRD has already delivered the ration for almost 1.1 Million+ meals for the victims in heavily flooded areas.

Br. Fazal ur Rahman – Country Director Pakistan – HHRD, visited the flood affected areas. Please listen to his update interview.

Our humble request to all of you is to encourage your friends, family and communities to designate this year's Fitra amount for the victims of Pakistan floods. Cell phones can be used to text "FITRA" to "27722" to donate $10 for this cause. Please visit http://www.reliefforpakistan.org/ for more details on Pakistan Flood Relief

The media has not been able to show the devastation that has taken place in Pakistan and now the Pakistan Floods are leaving the news. But the people are still in the middle of the worst natural disaster in the history. Our response has to be to the level of the disaster.

It is the last 10 days of Ramadan, when our good deeds and giving will benefit us the most inshAllah, we should think about those who are not as fortunate as us.

Thank you for your continuous support.

HHRD Team

Fitra Appeal: Pakistan Floods...

2010-08-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alyukm,

Fitra is incumbent on all of us; let’s give our Fitra early to help the brothers and sisters in Pakistan as they deal with one of the most devastating disasters in the history.

You can give your $10 Fitra by going to www.hhrd.org or you can Text FITRA to 27722. All proceeds through your text will benefit the Pakistan Flood Victims.

Please reply with YES for Helping Hand USA Alerts. This will allow us to contact you with any emergency disasters appeals. Standard text messaging rates may apply.

You can give more than once to pay for each member in your family. Each mobile carrier allows a certain amount of Texts to be sent to the FITRA giving. For additional texts you may use another cell phone number.

All FITRA donations will be tracked and before the end of Ramadan will be disbursed for Pakistan Flood Relief.

May Allah allow us to make the best of this blesses month. Ameen.

HHRD Team

Zakat Appeal: Flood; the worst is yet to come...

2010-08-26T19:25:00.001-07:00

Assalaam Alykum,

We should keep reminding everyone that the worst is yet to come. Not only in terms of the natural disaster but how the floods have started a chain of events that will cause Pakistan’s poor to be completely helpless. The crops and fields that have been destroyed were their livelihood and they have not only lost their homes but any source of future income is also washed away in the floods.

Everyone has lost a home. Everyone has lost livelihood. These people are stranded, helpless, and in one of the worst sanitary conditions at this point. They are physically and mentally distraught. There are traumatized children and distressed women. Families are going hungry for days and their only choice is to turn to the waters that put them in that place to begin with. Many are forced to drink the contaminated water that has caused several diarrhea cases. There aren’t enough medicines now to treat all the affected people.

Helping Hand for Relief and Development is continuing their efforts in 13 locations across Pakistan. HHRD doctors are offering untiring efforts and they are seeing cases like chest infections, suspected cholera, malaria, typhoid, yellow fever, scabies and skin infections.

Every dollar counts. Every effort counts. Give your Zakat and Fitra to the victims of Pakistan Floods. You can ask your giving to be used for their immediate needs like clean drinking water, food , medical and sanitation help or towards long term help by donating towards helping the families to start small businesses for the men and women who have lost all livelihood in this disaster.

If you have already extended help, please forward this message to your friends, family, co-workers and communities. We have to come out in great numbers to help the affected of Pakistan.

Please visit www.ReliefForPakistan.org where you can find latest details and how you can help the victims of Pakistan Floods. Please donate and encourage other to donate generously as well.

Or you can Text FITRA to 27722 to donate $10 to Pakistan Flood Relief.
$10 will be added to your mobile phone bill/ deducted from your prepaid account. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Full Terms: mGive.org/T. Privacy Policy.

-HHRD Team

TEXT "FITRA" to "27722" for Pakistan Flood Relief

2010-08-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

Assalaam Alykum,

The situation is getting worse. Please don’t wait till last minute to give your Fitra. Now you can now make your Fitra through your cell phone:

TEXT "FITRA" to "27722" to donate $10 - All proceeds will go towards Pakistan Flood Relief.

This is one of a kind FITRA campaign to make it easier for our brothers and sisters to not only fulfill our Islamic duty but also help the Flood Victims of Pakistan:

- You can give more than once to pay for each member in your family. Each mobile carrier allows a certain amount of Texts to be sent to the FITRA giving. For additional texts you may use another cell phone number.
- All FITRA donations will be tracked and before the end of Ramadan will be disbursed for Pakistan Flood Relief.
- A one-time charge of $10 will be added to you mobile phone bill. Standard text messaging rates and additional fees may apply. All charges are billed by and payable to you mobile service provider. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting “STOP” to “27722”.

HHRD is also collecting basic necessity items. Please visit www.ReliefForPakistan.org, a HHRD Pakistan Flood Relief dedicated website, for latest updates and to see a complete list of items you can give. http://reliefforpakistan.org/2010-In-Kind-Donation-Pakistan-Priority-List.pdf

UN report says 1.2 million homes are destroyed and there are fears of further flooding as the Indus River, already at a 50 year high, is expected to rise even more.

UN officials have described the humanitarian situation in Pakistan as critical.
· 1,539 people have died and 17 million have been directly affected

· 1.2 million houses have been destroyed, leaving an estimated 8 million homeless

· 3.2m hectares of standing crops have been lost or damaged

· 2,055 people have been injured

· 2 million people have received drinking water but "large numbers" have no access to water or sanitation

The devastation cannot be completely reported as many areas are still hard to reach.
Pakistan is now in serious danger of epidemic disease, especially in children who are already weak and vulnerable. Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) is providing medical relief across Pakistan.

Please visit www.hhrd.org to make a donation.

HHRD Team

Fitra - Flood Victims need help Now...

2010-08-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

Assalaamu Alykum,

Helping Hand for Relief and Development has announced the $10 per person amount for Fitra for Ramadan 1431/2010.

Please don’t wait till last minute to give your Fitra. You can donate your Fitra now towards the Pakistan Flood Relief victims and help with much needed funds now.

The worst floods in the history have left millions devastated. People are still being rescued from the floods even after 3 weeks.

The floods have mainly affected those whose only livelihood was their crops and cattle. The floods have caused immense losses to crops, livestock, infrastructure and damage to the roads. There will be great need for long term development and rehabilitation to the flood affected areas.

The longer it takes for aid to reach the flood victims the longer they will be exposed to water-borne diseases. The doctors at Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD)’s medical camps are already seeing great number of diarrhea and skin allergy cases; there have been some cases of cholera reported.

HHRD is present in 10 locations across Pakistan, providing foods, clean drinking water and arranging for shelter for the flood victims.

Please join hands with Helping Hand USA to provide the much needed aid to our brothers and sisters in Pakistan. May we succeed in Ramadan at the highest level this Ramadan. Ameen.

HHRD Team

Collecting Basic Necessity Items now...Pakistan Flood Relief

2010-08-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

Assalaam Alykum,

In-Kind Donations:

Helping Hand for Relief and Development is now collecting Basic Necessity Items (In-Kind Donations). The relief items should not be “used items”; food items should be Halal only; medicines should have sufficient expiry date.

These must be packed in 15 " x 15 " x 12 " cartons.
To make things a little easier for us, it would be ideal if smaller groups could get together and drop the items at the collection locations.
For a complete list of drop off locations and items needed please visit: www.ReliefForPakistan.org. This website is Helping Hand for Relief and Development’s dedicated website for Pakistan Flood Relief.

Medical Relief update:

HHRD Health and Medical Camps are providing medical treatment in Mianwali, Layyah, DG Khan, Charsadda, Dir, Swat, Nowshera, Nawabshah and Sakkar.
Diarrhoea, Scabies and Skin Infections are among the most common cases being seen at the medical camps. These diseases can be life threatening for the victims affected by floods who have low immune systems like the 3.5 million children now at risk of deadly water-borne diseases.

A total of 27, 483 patients have been seen at HHRD medical camps as of August 18, 2010 of which 12,087 were children.

There is a great need for assistance to these victims. HHRD Team would strongly urge you to come forward and give in any capacity. Because every penny counts and will be the difference between relief and loss.

One in 10 Pakistanis Affected - 20 Million Flood Victims - 3.5 Million Children at Risk of Deadly Water-Borne Diseases - A THIRD of Pakistan Submerged Under Water

For latest updates please visit www.ReliefForPakistan.org. or www.hhrd.org.

HHRD Team

1 in 10 Pakistanis affected: 20 million flood victims...

2010-08-16T20:36:00.001-07:00

Assalaam Alykum,

Homes, crops, trees, livestock, entire villages and towns have been transformed into lakes, forcing the flood victims to huddle in muddy areas.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Sunday that while he has visited sites of natural disasters around the world, he has never seen anything like the devastation created by flooding in Pakistan.

Please spread the word to your family and friends. Many thanks to the individuals who have donated for this cause. But magnitude of the disaster has surpassed all fears.

After analysis of the situation in Pakistan,

Helping Hand for Relief and Development has raised the appeal to $5 million.

Up to 20 million people -- nearly one in 10 Pakistanis have been affected in some capacity by the floods.

Dr Fozia Aziz, a health coordinator of Helping Hand for Relief and Development in Islamabad, told Al Jazeera there is an urgent need to provide safe drinking water and hygienic conditions to stem the spread of diseases; water-borne bacteria and illness have become a serious concern
"We are conducting a number of medical camps all over Pakistan. Acute diarrhoea cases are among the most common ailments and our health workers are providing proper treatment.

"We are also giving advice to the local communities on measures to be taken to prevent or minimize the spread of disease," Dr. Fozia said, adding that several suspected cases of cholera and malaria have been reported.

Up to 3.5 million children are at high risk of deadly water-borne diseases, such as watery diarrhoea and dysentery," Maurizio Giuliano, spokesman for the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

Helping Hand for Relief and Development is running medical relief camps in 13 locations and distributing free medication.

$500 provides for 1 week’s supply of medicines. Every day more than 500 patients are receiving treatment and medicines at HHRD’s medical camps.

People are hungry and desperate for help.

$25 food package will feed a family of 6 for 1 week. Food Package includes: Flour, Sugar, Cooking Oil, Rice, Lentils, Biscuits and other basics.

As we are able to break our fast with ample food on our tables, our Muslims brothers and sisters in Pakistan are not so fortunate. Please remember them when opening your fasts this Ramadan.

One-fifth of the country is underwater and 900,000 homes have been damaged. Tents are being provided to help those whose houses have been washed away by the floods.

$100 is the cost to provide shelter to a family.

Keep them in your prayers this blessed month and please donate generously towards helping them in their time of need.

HHRD Team

LIVE ARY Telethon: Floods Relief Appeal..

2010-08-12T19:10:00.001-07:00

Assalaam Alykum,

The Pakistan Floods of 2010 have been rated as the worst humanitarian crisis by the UN in the recent history, with more people affected than the South-East Asian tsunami and the recent earthquakes in Kashmir and Haiti combined; affecting 15 million people and leaving 1,600 dead.

Our next effort to help the victims affected by the worst catastrophe in the history of Pakistan is a:

Live Telethon Appeal on ARY Digital
August 14th, 2010
4:00pm – 7:00pm EST.

Don't have ARY, you can watch it live, at www.hhrd.org.

Artists like Ali Haider, Asad Malik, Faisal Qureshi, Firdos Jamal, Habib, Imran Abbas, Rashid Mehmood, Adnan Siddique and others are joining HHRD in this Telethon appeal.

Please watch to support the Pakistan Flood Victims.

The people affected by the floods are desperate for our help, please think about them this Ramadan and help then with your most generous donations.

For latest updates please visit www.hhrd.org.

-HHRD Team