Telecom News Bulletin

PRCS has identified areas where they are providing assistance to the flood affected. In Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Telenor Pakistan is a" data-image="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=2da95932-a82d-4bb6-bd9f-e152d342c09e" data-site="Telecom News Bulletin">

Following the country’s most devastating floods ever, Telenor Pakistan continues to work with its field partner Pakistan Red Crescent Society to assist in the flood relief efforts. Telenor Pakistan has handed over to PRCS 60% of the pledged Rs100 million to enable it to provide immediate relief goods to those most affected.

PRCS has identified areas where they are providing assistance to the flood affected. In Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Telenor Pakistan is actively assisting in seven union councils of Charsadda where goods continue to be distributed. Until now approx. Rs28 million of the funds have been used to purchase relief goods and medicines. These will support around 6,000 families across Pakistan and include 15 days ration and medicine supplies.

Volunteer activities

A comprehensive volunteer plan with PRCS is being devised to identify areas where employees can volunteer. The first phase of the volunteer drive is being carried out in Charsadda.

Volunteers have participated in the registration of families and issuance of coupons; they have helped off-load relief goods from trucks and distributed them among the affected. In one visit alone, more than 400 families were provided with non-food packs that comprised a tent, plastic sheets, blankets, a kitchen set, etc. During the visit, the volunteers got the opportunity to assess the needs of the affected and interacted with them.

For Aamir Ibrahim, VP Corporate Affairs and CSO Telenor Pakistan who was part of a group of volunteers that visited Charsadda the visit was an eye-opener. “Only through personal interaction with the affected can you really understand the scale of the disaster, the threat of disease, and despair felt by people who have lost their homes and livelihoods,” he said. “My visit to MC-3 area and Dildar Ghari was a humbling experience, something I would encourage us all to have. What was truly remarkable was the uncomplicated happiness with which the children were still playing. We must do everything we can to ensure that their smiles and hopes are kept alive. Karo Mumkin!”

More volunteer visits are planned to the flood affected areas of Punjab and Sindh.

Disability inclusion

Special efforts are being made to include the disabled flood victims in the relief efforts. Telenor Pakistan as part of its Khuddar Pakistan program for persons with disabilities is working with its disability adviser, STEP, to assess the needs of persons with disabilities in the affected areas and respond accordingly.

Employee donations

Telenor Pakistan employees are contributing funds of their own. To encourage employees to donate, the company has announced that all contributions will be matched by the company four times over. Until now, employees have contributed more than Rs8 million with some employees donating even more than their salaries. Donations are being accepted till September.

Fund raising…

Fund-raising methods employed include donations through SMS (send an SMS to 4611 to contribute Rs10), easypaisa and donation boxes placed at Telenor Sales & Service Centers where cash or cheques (in the name of ‘Pakistan Red Crescent Society’) can be deposited.

…in electronic media

Special flood relief radio shows have been held to raise awareness on immediate relief needs. The company is carrying out a telethon on various TV channels and Radio stations to raise additional funds and increase awareness on the issues being faced by the flood affected.

…in Norway

In Norway, Telenor has made available a platform for local users to donate via SMS. All donations will go to the Norwegian Red Cross which will help flood victims in Pakistan.

Telenor Pakistan Management Volunteers Flood Relief Activities Video: