The thought of families losing everything as floods wash away entire communities is almost too much to bear. No one should have to endure such a horrendous loss. But right now, more than 30 million people have been impacted by the floods which have made hundreds of thousands of people homeless.
Watching this kind of destruction is devastating. And while it’s easy to feel helpless, the truth is: every little thing you do goes a long way to helping a family find the hope to keep on going.
Here are four ways you can help people in Pakistan right now.
1. Make a cash donation
There are no two ways about it: a donation of cash is the absolute best way to support the people affected by the floods in Pakistan. Together with our partners, CARE has been working in Pakistan since 2005, in some of the most remote and logistically challenging areas, and we are already providing lifesaving relief supplies including food, shelter, sanitation and hygiene items and child survival kits. We will be setting up safe spaces for women and children and will be supporting the recovery process and helping families rebuild what they’ve lost. Your donation will help us reach as many people as possible.
2. Set up a Facebook fundraiser
A great way to show you care, and to raise awareness about the emergency in Pakistan, is to set up a Facebook fundraiser. It’s simple to do and is easy to share with your friends and encourage them to contribute. It’s perfect if you have a birthday or anniversary coming up — just set up a Facebook fundraiser asking for donations instead of a gift. With so many people getting their news and updates about the floods on Facebook, they’re already on the platform and might just be looking for the chance to give.
Set up a Facebook fundraiser and help motivate others to give.
3. Organise or take part in a fundraising event
If you’re committed to making a difference, why not set up your own fundraising event or take part in an existing challenge? You could organise a trivia night, hold a bake sale or set your own fundraising challenge. Fun runs, bike rides, triathlons, walks and obstacle races are just some of the ways you can raise money to support those in need. There are hundreds of events around Australia, so wherever you are, you can run, cycle or swim and start a chain of generous people giving and sharing – all in the name of saving lives.
Create your own fundraiser with GoFundMe.
4. Fundraise at your workplace
Another group of people to encourage to support your fundraiser are your colleagues. You can encourage your employer and colleagues to truly live their values by contributing to a worthy cause. Plus banding together to support this urgent work helps staff feel good about the impact they are having.
Fundraise at your workplace with GoFundMe
Have some items you want to donate?
It’s natural to want to donate things like clothes, blankets, toys for kids or other helpful things that you may have. And whilst that’s super kind, it’s really important that relief items are sourced from the economies of the affected communities — that way local businesses and suppliers can benefit too. So we don’t accept donations of physical goods or items. Instead, if you do want to help out, it could make a lifesaving difference if you choose one of the four ways above.
Thank you so much! We appreciate your contribution, time and effort in supporting the people of Pakistan.
Image: © Maryam Imtiaz/CARE
