Report on ARF’s First Ramadan Activity: Sehr and Iftar for the Underprivileged (March-April 2023)

In March and April 2023, the Apportion Relief Foundation (ARF) launched its first-ever humanitarian initiative by organizing daily Sehri and Iftar for the underprivileged during the holy month of Ramadan. This activity was held near the Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Area, Township, Lahore, an area where many laborers and low-income workers reside and work. ARF’s efforts not only reflected its commitment to alleviating hunger but also fulfilled an important religious obligation, offering a dignified way for those in need to observe their fasts.

Overview of the Activity

Throughout Ramadan, ARF provided more than 300 individuals daily with nutritious, freshly prepared meals for both Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal to break the fast). The beneficiaries included laborers, low-income families, and workers from the surrounding industrial area who struggled to afford daily meals. This initiative provided critical relief during a time when communal support and charity are highly emphasized.

Nutritional and Hygienic Meal Preparation

ARF placed great emphasis on delivering balanced and hygienic meals. Using FDA-approved ingredients, each meal was freshly prepared every day, with a focus on nutrition, taste, and tradition.

Sehri Menu:

• Parathas and rotis (flatbread) were served daily.
• Accompaniments included yogurt and lassi (sweet or salty varieties).
• The daily curries were rotated, featuring:
• Chicken Qorma
• Chana (chickpea curry)
• Anda Kofta (egg and meatball curry)
• Haleem
• Water was provided to ensure hydration during the long fasts.

Iftar Menu:

• The fast was broken traditionally with dates and sharbat or lemon sharbat.
• Snacks included:
• Samosas
• Rolls
• Dahi Bara or Fruit Chaat
• Chana Chaat
• The main course switched between rice or curries such as:
• Haleem
• Chana
• Chicken Qorma
• Kofta

This menu ensured that participants were well-nourished, making their fasts easier to endure.

Volunteer and Community Engagement

The success of this initiative was largely attributed to ARF’s dedicated volunteers, who worked tirelessly to prepare and serve meals in a timely and organized manner. Even during challenges such as rain, the Dastarkhwan (dining area) was moved to a covered space to ensure the continuity of services.

The initiative attracted media coverage from City 42 and other local outlets, which amplified awareness of ARF’s work, while the foundation’s social media team provided regular updates to keep donors and the public informed.

Community Participation and Spiritual Uplift

The daily Iftar gatherings were more than just a meal. They provided an opportunity for spiritual growth and community bonding. Each gathering concluded with Mehfil-e-Naat (religious poetry recitations) and a dua (prayer), adding a sense of togetherness and gratitude. Children in particular enjoyed the welcoming environment, making the event a joyful experience for all.

Donor and Stakeholder Engagement

ARF maintained transparent communication with its donors, offering daily reports on the progress of the initiative. This transparency not only reassured the donors about how their contributions were being used but also encouraged ongoing support.

Conclusion

ARF’s first-ever Ramadan Sehr and Iftar initiative near the Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Area, Township, Lahore, was a significant success. Throughout the month, ARF provided essential relief to hundreds of individuals, staying true to its mission to combat hunger and alleviate poverty. The initiative underscored ARF’s ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Pakistan’s most vulnerable communities, setting the stage for future projects aimed at reducing dependency and empowering society. By organizing this event, ARF successfully demonstrated its capacity to bring about positive change, fostering both community spirit and hope for a better future. The success of this initiative highlighted ARF's potential to bring real change to the lives of Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations, aligning with its broader mission to reduce dependency, empower communities, and uplift society as a whole.