Behbud to hold fundraiser on April 18

Islamabad
Behbud, one of Pakistan’s oldest non-government organisations, will be celebrating its ‘50 years of selfless volunteerism’ by holding a fundraiser on April 18 at the Sir Syed Memorial Hall at 7 p.m.
People living in Rawalpindi and Islamabad are looking forward to participate in the Behbud’s fundraiser, promising to be filled with fun, laughter and music.
Those who attend will also be paying tribute to hundreds of Behbud volunteers who have worked for half a century ensuring that Pakistani underprivileged women are empowered regardless of colour, creed or caste.
As Bushra Ansari and Muhammad Shoaib to make the show a huge success with their complimentary appearances, Serena Hotel has chipped in to host Bushra Ansari while the Sir Syed Memorial Hall will offer its premises free of charge.
The organisers say that seats and tickets are numbered so people will sit according to their ticket numbers. Since the tickets are in great demand, advance sale of tickets has already started. Tickets are available at Behbud Boutique at Super Market (Markaz F-6) and London Book Company at Kohsar Market, Sector F-6/3.
All proceeds of the show will fund Behbud projects in the fields of education, health and women’s vocational training.
Just before the show, the NGO has asked people to take full advantage of a crafts exhibition and sale at Behbud Boutique in F-6.
Behbud’s products stand head and shoulders above others in the Saarc region as its painstakingly hand-embroidered clothes are much sought after. Foreigners especially seek the table linen already laundered and starched ready to lay on the dining table.
Whenever Behbud’s hand-embroidered clothes make an appearance abroad, products fly off the tables and there are constant demands for more.
It is certainly binding upon the government to promote the work of Behbud, especially in international shows, many of which take place next door in India and from where there is a huge demand.
Behbud says that the government should help it through sponsorship. In great demand are the Behbud’s short and long shirts, rilli work, a Sindhi traditional craft which has been adopted and modernised to give it a contemporary look. Pants and ‘shalwars’ with intricately-embroidered chicken kauri, cutwork and appliqué. ‘Dupattas,’ which South Asian women like are embroidered in drawn thread, cross-stitch, ‘jisti’ and ‘phulkari’. The trendy work of ‘phulkari’ on dresses is simply outstanding. As far as Behbud is concerned, Pakistan’s traditional craft has no chance of dying out.
Established in 1970, each Behbud centre generates its own funds and is run by a team of dedicated volunteer ladies. Highly-qualified medical professionals offer free time and consultation on a regular basis. Services of other specialists-professionals are acquired on humanitarian grounds.
As nearly 3,000 women become wage earners, they become economically, socially and politically empowered.
Behbud is working on sustainable development projects, reviving crafts and creating livelihoods. It has headquarters in Rawalpindi and branches in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, Multan, Gujranwala, Jhang and Dera Ghazi Khan.