The tragedy that occurred at Joseph Colony Badami Bagh in Lahore on 9th March 2013 was absolutely horrific; no amount of words can describe the enormity of destruction of not only of houses but of lives, dreams and trust.
A mob of over three thousand miscreants vandalized a Christian neighborhood over an alleged blasphemy accusation; a total of one hundred and ninety eight Christian homes were ransacked and set ablaze after a chemical attack was carried out.
The enormity of damage was beyond comprehension; absolute devastation, everything was completely destroyed, burnt down to ashes. Over two hundred families were left shattered and homeless.
The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation was one of the first organizations to roll out an immediate relief plan for these unfortunate families.
With the overwhelming support rendered by friends and well-wishers from Pakistan and around the world; we were able to deliver on a daily basis relief goods to the displaced families of Joseph Colony.
Food items, water, juices, milk, insect repellents, hygiene products, clothing, footwear, bedding, medicines etc. were distributed on a daily basis by our extremely committed and devoted team of volunteers, headed and managed by Cecil S Chaudhry.
We were able to set up a Children’s Play Center, which served as a recreational facility for the traumatized children of Joseph Colony; a play center where they were be able to paint, draw, write, read story books, listen to stories, sing songs etc.
Nearly six hundred and seventy children saw their houses burn to rubble. We do not want these children to grow up with hatred for another religion. Hence our volunteers at the Children’s Play Center also play an extremely important role of promoting religious harmony and tolerance; where most of our benefactors and volunteers are Muslims hence disseminating the message of love, brotherhood and a peaceful co-existence.
An Easter Carnival was organized on Easter Sunday at the Children’s Play Center for the Children of Joseph Colony.
A day full of fun filled activities - magic show, puppet shows, face painting, mehndi, egg painting, candy floss, water pistols, cartoon characters, goodie bags, gifts and food along with music, singing and dancing was organized!
It was a small way of once again contributing towards rebuilding shattered trust and of course brining endless smiles and joy to these innocent victims.
It was surely one of the best Easters these kids had ever seen!!
