PAGV raises over $15,000 for Pakistani flood victims

By Djembe Archibald

Mar 14, 2023

Floods, fires and earthquakes are no match for the Pakistani Association of the Goulburn Valley’s determination.

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PAGV formed in 2019, connecting people from across the region, but that was not its only goal.

With the 2019 bushfires roaring across the state, members of the PAGV could not just sit back and watch, so they leapt into action, donating $6000 to the Red Cross in December of that year.

But their generosity did not stop there. When the news came out about the Pakistani floods and the displacement of 33 million people, PAGV organised for a charity event to be held in October 2022. Ironically, the group had to cancel the event due to the Shepparton floods.

Despite this, the association was able to accumulate $16,500 worth of donations to be sent to the Akhuwat Foundation and the Al-khidmat Foundation. They attribute this to the kindness of the Shepparton community, and the support of their peers.

“It wasn’t just us, I was really impressed as it was a community effort,” PAGV president Dr Muhammad Abdullah said.

They assisted not only the community in Pakistan, but also the local community during the Victorian floods.

“When the floods came in, we collected food and shelter, providing for 250 people,” Dr Abdullah said.

The group’s latest efforts have been devoted towards the Turkish earthquake, with proceeds given to Turkish mosques to support the community. So far, the PAGV has collected $2500 for this cause.

“We want to thank all those people who donated and aren't part of the PAGV. It was very heartwarming to see,” Dr Abdullah said.