It seems that natural disasters are just taking over the headlines – what with the devastating earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, the flood in the Philippines and now the recent floods in Pakistan, the world needs a little help to get back up onto its feet. Some of that help was raised on Sept. 12, at the Village Square Leisure Centre as a benefits concert promoted awareness to the issue of the floods that devastated Pakistan and raised donations for relief through the Canadian Red Cross.

Previously volunteering for the Canadian Red Cross before, I didn’t hesitate when Red Cross’ humanitarian issues program coordinator asked for some assistance at this event, as it was an excellent opportunity to support the efforts of the Red Cross and be able to contribute any assistance I could to this cause.

What’s the disastrous situation for Pakistan? Approximately 70 per cent of the population of Pakistan are affected by these floods. Over six million people are in high need of nutrition, clean water, medicine and other necessities, as the risk of diseases and malnutrition are affecting over 3 million children and distressingly approximately 13,000 pregnant women. The Red Cross is committed to preventing a second disaster – health emergencies – to erupt in Pakistan, and over 50,000 Red Cross volunteers are in action helping distribute and organize aid to flood victims.

This benefits concert consisted 0f local performances,  the Juno nominated band Sweatshop Union and many cultural foods and luxury goods on sale – all in an effort to raise funds for the 2010 Pakistan Floods.  An extraordinary atmosphere of love and peace reached the hearts of many local Calgarians, as donations were regularly accepted at a steady and good rate. Two mascots brought a lively and uplifting attitude to the event as a costumed Amaterasu and video game character tended to the smaller attending audience.

The event was purely youth-organized by the Indus Association of Canada, as they felt dissatisfied with the slow and limited donations that were making its way to Pakistan.  Gathering the aid of friends and family, these prevalently youth volunteers proudly welcomed members of the Village Square community to their highly successful fundraiser.

An excellent  reflection of youth once made by Andrew Phung, program director at Youth Central, was ” I don’t believe youth are the leaders of tomorrow. When is tomorrow? Five years from now? When they turn eighteen? I’ve seen 15 year olds that have a higher maturity level than 20 year olds.  No, I believe youth are the leaders of TODAY, and that they are making a difference now.”

Indeed, simply distraught at the conditions of those suffering , amazing youth raised a successful campaign to rally and inspire their community, to share their wealth with those less fortunate, which may have never happened if these youth had never taken the course of relief into their own hands.

Life is rather fleeting, so we have to be able to enjoy it while we can. But that is not the case with everyone, especially those stricken into impoverished and distressing situations, such as the 2010 floods that recently  hit Pakistan. A university professor, Anne White, once said:

“The strongest person is not the person who believes they are invincible. On the contrary, the strongest people admit they are weak, that they need to be loved, and that they are vulnerable. Indeed, these individuals reach out to their community, and realize they are part of something greater – they gain strength through realizing there is no shame in admitting they need to be loved, weak or are vulnerable. Instead, from this, we learn compassion – by acknowledging human frailty, we learn humility, empathy and love.”

So do your part, you can help by making a difference. You can donate online at this secure website, call toll-free 1-800-418-1111, or donate by text message, texting REDCROSS to 30333.