In October 2024, the Apportion Relief Foundation (ARF) launched Project Dastarkhwan to combat hunger and provide nutritious meals to those in need. This initiative includes two main components: the Bhuk Mitao Free Dastarkhwan, which offers complimentary meals, and the Mobile Dastarkhwan, which serves affordable meals at a minimal cost of 50 rupees. Both efforts aim to support underprivileged individuals, daily wage earners, and families facing food insecurity.

Daily Operations

The Dastarkhwan operates daily from 12 PM to 2 PM at five key locations in Lahore, ensuring that those in need can access nutritious meals conveniently. The locations are:

1. ARF Office near Chandni Chowk, Township Market, Lahore
2. Near Bank Al-Falah, Minhaj University Branch
3. Umer Chowk, Umer Cash and Carry, Township, Lahore
4. Urban Grocers Branch 1, Township, Lahore
5. Urban Grocers Branch 2, Township, Lahore

Each day, more than 100 individuals benefit from the free Dastarkhwan at each location, while approximately 30 individuals are served through the Mobile Dastarkhwan. This initiative not only addresses hunger but also contributes significantly to the daily resources of those who often struggle to afford a meal.

Nutritional Offerings

The daily menu features a variety of high-quality, delicious, and nutritious food items, including:

• Rice or curry of the day, which rotates among:
• Chicken Qorma
• Kofta
• Qeema (minced meat)
• Kabab Aloo (potato kebabs)
• Daal (lentils)
• Aloo Chicken Curry (potato and chicken curry)

Each meal package includes three rotis, ensuring that individuals receive a well-rounded and filling meal.

Impact on the Community

The impact of Project Dastarkhwan extends beyond mere nourishment; it restores dignity and hope to countless individuals who otherwise face the harsh reality of hunger. Many deserving people, including children and the elderly, go to bed with empty stomachs, awaiting a better tomorrow. By providing meals and support, ARF is fulfilling its responsibility to care for those in need, in line with Islamic teachings that emphasize compassion and generosity. As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, “Whoever feeds the hungry will have his sins forgiven.”

Conclusion

Through Project Dastarkhwan, ARF is making significant strides in addressing food insecurity in Lahore. The initiative is not only about feeding the hungry but also about creating a community where everyone has access to nutritious meals. By expanding this project and raising awareness, ARF aims to ensure that no one sleeps hungry and that every individual receives the support they deserve. We encourage the community to contribute and support this noble cause, helping us eliminate hunger and uplift the lives of those in need.

The Apportion Relief Foundation (ARF), in collaboration Ravish, organized a Free Medical Camp on November 10, 2024, at Sattar Bricks, Chungi Sattar, near Quaid-e-Azam Interchange, GT Road, Lahore. The purpose of this initiative was to provide free medical check-ups, treatments, and essential healthcare services to underserved communities.

The camp aimed to offer free medications and treatments, raise awareness about common health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, and hygiene, conduct preventive healthcare measures, and ensure access to health education for marginalized groups. A team of 25 medical professionals, including specialists, ensured that the objectives were met. Resources such as medicines, equipment, and facilities were arranged in advance, while promotional activities, including flyers, social media posts, and word-of-mouth campaigns, helped maximize community participation.

During the camp, general check-ups, specialist consultations, and specific treatments were provided. Free screening services, including blood pressure and glucose level tests, were conducted, and complete courses of medication were provided to every patient for common ailments like colds, flu, and infections. Health awareness sessions educated attendees on preventive measures and healthy practices. A systematic registration process ensured smooth management of the event.

The camp successfully treated over 200 individuals, including children, working adults, and elderly individuals, most of whom came from low-income households. However, some challenges were encountered, such as a shortage of certain medications in high demand and technical issues with health screening equipment. These challenges were addressed promptly to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.

The impact of the camp was significant, as it addressed the healthcare needs of over 200 individuals and referred patients with serious conditions, such as hypertension, tuberculosis, and diabetes, to nearby hospitals for further care. The provision of complete courses of medication to every patient ensured continued treatment beyond the camp and reduced the burden of medical expenses for underserved families. Participants expressed deep gratitude for the services, and the camp was commended for its efforts to raise health awareness and improve access to essential medical care.

In conclusion, the free medical camp was a success, providing vital healthcare services and free medications to an underserved community. To enhance future camps, ARF recommends securing a larger stock of medications to meet demand and expanding outreach efforts to inform more individuals. ARF remains committed to delivering accessible healthcare through Project Health and similar initiatives.

To support future medical camps and other healthcare projects, donations can be made via WhatsApp at 0326-0877829 or Bank Account 59055001814188 (Bank Alfalah). Together, we can ensure a healthier and more resilient community.

Appeal for Donations to Support Medical Camps and Health Initiatives: ARF is committed to providing ongoing healthcare support for underprivileged communities, but we rely heavily on donations to sustain these efforts. We invite you to join our mission by contributing to Project Health, enabling us to organize more camps, distribute medicines, and provide life-enhancing assistive technology.

Your generosity can:

• Ensure monthly medicine allowances for those with chronic illnesses.
• Support diagnostic tests to detect and prevent diseases early on.
• Fund assistive devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids for individuals in need.

A Call to Action: Your support can be the difference between health and suffering for those without resources. Every donation, no matter how small, contributes to alleviating pain, promoting dignity, and offering hope to those who need it most. Join ARF in this compassionate cause—let’s ensure that no one endures unnecessary suffering due to lack of medical access.

On October 25, Apportion Relief Foundation (ARF) held a successful Winter Clothing Distribution Drive at Zeenat Public School in Konodas, Gilgit-Baltistan, providing essential winter clothing and blankets to over 100 children and many families in need. This initiative, part of ARF’s ongoing Winter Clothing Drive, was organized to help vulnerable communities withstand the region’s harsh winter months. As the cold season deepens, the need for warm clothing remains critical for protecting children, the elderly, and families from life-threatening conditions. We invite our supporters to donate, helping us expand our reach and bring warmth and security to more families across Gilgit-Baltistan this winter.

The Apportion Relief Foundation (ARF) has always been committed to uplifting the most vulnerable members of society, particularly the homeless and orphans. Our Shelter for Homeless and Orphans initiative addresses the urgent need for safe, secure, and dignified living conditions for those affected by poverty, natural disasters, and societal challenges. This initiative recognizes the profound impact that stable housing and support can have on the lives of individuals and families struggling to survive.

Current Situation

Imagine facing the harsh realities of life without a roof over your head or sufficient food to sustain yourself. For many orphaned children, the elderly, and vulnerable adults, this is a daily struggle. Many have been forced to live on the streets, sidewalks, and roads, with little hope for a better future. The distressing situation of these individuals is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by our community's most marginalized.

ARF's Commitment

In August 2024, ARF took proactive steps to provide shelter and support for orphans, currently covering all living and educational expenses for three orphans. This support ensures that these children not only have a safe place to live but also access to education, enabling them to build a brighter future. Our mission is to restore dignity and hope to those in need, aligning with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who emphasized the importance of caring for orphans and the vulnerable in society. As he stated, “In Jannah, the person who takes care of an orphan will be close to me like the two fingers of a hand.”

Call for Support

However, our efforts cannot continue without the support of compassionate individuals and organizations. We urge the community to join us in this mission. Your donations can make a significant difference in the lives of homeless individuals and orphans, providing them with the basic necessities and hope for a better tomorrow. By contributing to ARF, you not only help those in desperate need but also earn the blessings of Allah Almighty as instructed by the Prophet (PBUH).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Shelter for Homeless and Orphans initiative is a vital part of ARF’s commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable in society. Together, we can be a ray of hope for those who feel abandoned and forgotten, ensuring that every individual has access to shelter, dignity, and a chance at a brighter future. Your support is essential in this noble endeavor, and we encourage you to stand with us in providing a safe haven for those in need.

In August 2024, the Apportion Relief Foundation (ARF) launched Project Education to provide crucial educational opportunities for children from underprivileged backgrounds in Pakistan. Recognizing that childhood should be a time free of worries, we aim to eliminate the barriers that prevent children from accessing education, allowing them to dream of a brighter future.

Achievements

This year, ARF has made significant strides in supporting educational initiatives. We are currently funding the education of 13 students, who come from various backgrounds, including one student at the university level. This initiative is designed to alleviate the financial burden on families who struggle to meet basic needs. By covering tuition fees, we empower these students to focus on their studies instead of worrying about their next meal.

In addition to tuition support, we have provided essential materials to ensure a conducive learning environment. This includes funding for stationery, books, and uniforms for numerous students, enabling them to attend school with the necessary tools for success. These efforts are in line with our overarching objective: to eliminate financial barriers to education, allowing children to achieve their full potential.

Alignment with ARF Objectives

Project Education aligns seamlessly with ARF’s mission to reduce poverty and create opportunities for the underserved. Our organization is committed to fostering long-term societal growth through education, which is a vital stepping stone toward breaking the cycle of poverty. We understand that the harsh realities of life often compel children to forgo their education in favor of work, perpetuating a cycle of poverty that is difficult to escape. Our goal is to change that narrative by ensuring that every child has access to quality education.

Conclusion

ARF remains dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of underprivileged children. We believe that investing in education is the best way to cultivate a brighter future for society as a whole. With continued support from our partners and donors, we can expand our reach and provide even more children with the opportunities they deserve. Together, we can create a world where no child is left behind, and every dream of a better future is within reach.

In August 2024, the Apportion Relief Foundation (ARF) launched Project Health, aimed at providing comprehensive health services to those in need at minimal or no cost. To date, six individuals who were unable to bear their medical expenses have received support through this initiative. Among them, four individuals are receiving monthly medication, which has been funded by ARF since the project's inception. Our services include free medical camps, medicine provision, lab testing and diagnostics, health education, and the provision of assistive technologies such as wheelchairs and hearing aids. By ensuring access to healthcare, we aim to improve overall community health, reduce medical expenses, and enhance the quality of life for the underprivileged. Many individuals in our community struggle to afford basic necessities, let alone medical care, often facing dire consequences when serious illness strikes. Our goal is to alleviate their suffering and provide compassionate care, transcending boundaries of religion and race, to make a meaningful difference in their lives. Additionally, ARF continues to offer various support services across our other projects to uplift the needy in our community, reflecting our commitment to fostering a healthier and more equitable society for all.