City of Houston honors Alliance of Pakistan Floods Relief Efforts

HOUSTON, Texas: The humanitarian aid group Alliance of Pakistan Floods Relief Efforts (APFRE) received accolades for its efforts in helping flood victims of Sindh and winning of the Sister Cities International 2011 Innovation Humanitarian Award for the city.
Mayor Annise D. Parker along with members of City Council, on the behalf of the City of Houston, bestowed this honour to the group in a special recognition ceremony held at city council chamber.

Council member at Large position Stephen C. Castillo briefed the council about the Alliance effort. Alliance Coordinator Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, along with other members of the Alliance working group, Mr. Ruhee Ozgul, Mr. Talat Talpur, Mr. PJ Khan Swati, Mr. Jamil Dawoodi, Ms. Noor Nisa Ghangroo and Mr. Jamil Siddiqui received a special proclamation from Mayor Annise Parker.

Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Parker lauded Houston community united efforts, which served Humanity in the best possible way and also built the image of the City of Houston Goodwill effort to the people of Pakistan. Mayor Parker also declared October 16th 2012, as Alliance of the Pakistan Floods Relief Efforts Day.
The Alliance coordinator Muhammad Saeed Sheikh recognized all the partner organizations, media outlets specially the hard work of other members of working group which includes Mr.Ilyas Choudry, Mr.Mian Nazeer, Mahmat Okumas, Celil Yaka, Mrs.Cristal Montanez, & Mr.Matllob Khan. He also assured Council that the Alliance would always be available whenever any disaster hit.
He also thanked the Mayor, the City Council and the Houston Office of International Affairs for this recognition. Expressing remarks Council Member Al Hong said that he witnessed the effort and was very much impressed with the Alliance well organized work and dedication.

The Alliance raised more than $80,000 in cash and $100,OOO in kind donations. The donated items were distributed into the district Mirpurkhas, Sindh and surrounding internally displaced persons camp in Pakistan’s with the coordination of Helping Hand. The alliance were consists of 30 community organization in Houston.