 | | Sajida's artwork |
I first heard about the devastating earthquake in Pakistan from my sister Shaida who telephoned me, I instantly thought about my parents in Pakistan. They went to Pakistan this September to bury my grandmother who died of old age. I woke up my husband Nadeem who was sleeping after his night shift and he contacted his brother who gave us all the news of our family in Pakistan.
 | | Cooking in Kashmir |
My brother-in-law Fazal told us that my mum and dad were fine and so too was my mother-in-law and all our relatives. I felt a huge sigh of relief and gratitude to Allah for this good news. Enormous losses However, we all instantly thought about all those other people who were less fortunate than ourselves. Many people around our home village of Maryal in Azad Kashmir have suffered great losses in terms of lives and their homes.
 | | Sajida's family in Maryal |
Two of our distant relatives who were studying at Muzaffarabad University have lost their lives and our local school was also brought to ruins, killing 14 children. Tremors When speaking to my family in Pakistan, I was told that the tremors still continue and that absolutely everyone is sleeping outdoors away from any buildings even though its freezing cold.
 | | Family in Maryal |
After having recently visiting Pakistan and having most of my relatives there, this quake has really been upsetting for all of my family here in Birmingham. We regularly financially support our relatives, neighbours and our wider community in Pakistan as there is a lot of poverty abroad. This quake has made all these problems a hundred times worse and so now I have decided to attempt to sell all my paintings and send 50% of the proceeds to all those destitute people and orphans. Hungry, homeless and destitute
 | | Artwork by Sajida Asif |
As my parents and husband have taught me to give generously to all those in need, I wish to raise as much as I can and send the money directly abroad to help all those communities surrounding my village where the quake has left hungry, homeless and destitute people and orphans. I hope that people come to my exhibition and help make a real difference as the money will reach the people to the last penny. Art for aid
 | | Maryal village |
I will be having an exhibition of 40 of my paintings which are influenced by eastern and Islamic art and pattern. The exhibition is from the 20th October - 4th November 2005, at the gallery space in Ward End Library on Washwood Heath Road. To buy Sajida's artwork, and support the fundraising efforts, email her; sajidaasif925@msn.com, or visit her exhibition.
Take a look at some of Sajida Asif's artwork that she will be selling to raise money for the earthquake disaster fund.
Quake fundraising artist >
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