The news
Earlier this year, COSARAF trustees and members of the extended Sheikh family joined our long-standing partner Fahmida Begum Foundation in Karachi to distribute more than 1,200 Ramadan food parcels to families in need in Mehran Town.
The visit, which took place in early February, provided an opportunity for trustees to see first-hand the impact of a programme that has become a vital lifeline for vulnerable households in the community. Many families in the area face significant financial pressures, which can intensify during Ramadan when the cost and demand for food increase. Food parcels help ensure that families have the basic provisions they need throughout the month, allowing them to observe Ramadan with dignity and peace of mind.
The Ramadan food parcel programme is a core part of the Foundation’s work to strengthen food security in Mehran Town. The Fahmida Begum Foundation, a welfare organisation based in the Korangi area of Karachi, provides a range of services including food assistance, education, healthcare support and vocational training for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.
In preparation for Ramadan each year, the Foundation works with local teams and volunteers to identify families most in need of support. Eligible households are registered in advance, and distribution is carefully organised to ensure that parcels reach those who require them most in a fair and orderly way. The initiative has become a yearly tradition, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to supporting the community throughout the holy month.
During their visit, COSARAF trustees and members of the Sheikh family were able to take part in the distribution, personally handing parcels and additional daily meals to families and meeting beneficiaries.
The opportunity to engage directly with the community provided a powerful reminder of the importance of partnership and local leadership in delivering effective support. By working with trusted organisations such as the Fahmida Begum Foundation, the COSARAF Foundation continues to help ensure that essential assistance reaches those who need it most.
As Ramadan continues to inspire generosity and compassion around the world, programmes like this play a crucial role in helping families focus on the spiritual meaning of the month without the added burden of food insecurity.
