Community

Pictures above: Speakers at the inaugural ceremony of West Region office of Helping Hand USA. (Below): A group photograph taken on the occasion

Anaheim, CA: Helping Hand USA had the opening of their West Region Office on April 25 th 2009 at 11in Anaheim, CA. Many community members were invited to share in this occasion. The proceedings started with the recitation of the Glorious Qur’an and its meaning. The agenda included the inspiring and uplifting speeches of our esteemed guest speakers, presentations about Helping Hand USA and WhyIslam.

The invited guest speakers included Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, Director of Islamic Society of Orange County (ISOC) and Chairman of the Shura Council of Southern California, Br. Shakeel Syed, Executive Director of Shura Council of Southern California, and Helping Hand USA Chairman, Br. Farrukh Raza.

The Helping Hand West Region team was introduced. It comprises Br. Mohammed Hanif Ismail, Director; Br. Touqeer Ahmed, Fundraising & Marketing Coordinator; Sr. Fatima Farooki, Office Manager & Public Relations Coordinator and Sr Jenna Solorio, WhyIslam/ICNA Public Relations Coordinator.

Helping Hand USA, primarily is a global humanitarian relief and development organization, which has many programs to benefit the needs of communities in over 13 countries worldwide and has established a separate program for orphan care that works for better living standards and brighter future of orphans.

It also encourages others to give as well to leverage the organization’s efforts and to make a greater difference in their lives. Going by the words of humanitarian Audrey Hepburn, “As you grow older, you will discover you have two hands, one for helping yourself and the other for helping others”. Helping Hand appeals “to the generous hearts to join hands with us to care for orphans and save their future.”

Helping Hand for Relief And Development responds to human sufferings in emergency and disastrous situations anywhere all over the world with special focus in countries where the massive population lives below the poverty line as in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Kenya, Palestine, Sudan and many others.

A Helping Hand press release states: “A lot happens within our society. It is hard to believe but true that the life which an orphan child lives is a big challenge. The death of or separation from the parents changes a child’s life to an extent that is irreparable. After the parent(s) pass away the children are left to taste the wrath of the loss and to fend for themselves and their siblings in this world. They are exposed to hunger, crime, child labor, child abuse and sexual abuse. These children end up dropping out of school due to lack of finance and some take to the streets becoming street kids, while some others end up losing their lives due to absence of parental love and care and with regrets as to why they were born. These are the children who are also part of the future of mankind and who have been forgotten by the more fortunate ones in the maze of their daily lives.

“With presence in 13 countries across the globe, the objective of Helping Hand USA, is to partner with its donors so as to;

Identify & provide orphans around the world with good education, health, hope & happiness.
Ensure that the orphans experience a normal childhood with the availability of basic requirements on a regular basis.
Assure & support widows in bringing up their fatherless children as healthy, confident and productive individuals of the society.
Integrate & give time, effort & money for enhancing the emotional, psychological & physical living conditions of the orphans.
Promote Awareness of the immense needs of orphans among various communities through conventions, programs & presentations.

“Helping Hand USA asks that the community join hands with us to sponsor a child. Send checks payable to Helping Hand USA/Child Sponsorship (address below). Or log onto our website to join the Orphan Sponsorship $1 per day, $30 per month or $360 per year online at: www.helpinghandonline.org .

“Join our Orphan Sponsorship program and enjoy an evening with Zain Bikha Live Performance program on Friday, May 29, 2009 at 7:30 pm At Crown Plaza Hotel, 1500 South Raymond Ave., Fullerton, CA 92831. For tickets call our offices mentioned below or go online to buy tickets at: www.helpinghandonline.org”