The cathaoirleach of Mullingar Town Council, Cllr Ruth Illingworth donated her December representational allowance to the Edhi Foundation of Pakistan.
The presentation ceremony took place on November 27. Local human rights campaigner and peace commissioner Rashid Butt accepted the cheque on behalf of Edhi Foundation.
Mr Butt praised Cllr Illingworth for her philanthropic spirit and said, “I feel honoured that the first citizen of Mullingar has chosen a charity in Pakistan and entrusted me to personally deliver this cheque to the Edhi Foundation in Pakistan.”
“I believe this will open new avenues of cooperation and friendship between people of Ireland and Pakistan. I see this as an opportunity to introduce the people of Ireland to the good work the Edhi Foundation does in Pakistan and other third world countries,” he added.
The Edhi Foundation works around the clock, without any discrimination on the basis of colour, creed, or politics. The founder, Abdul Sattar Edhi, has spent his entire life in the service of humankind. The Edhi Foundation has raised the largest single fleet of ambulances in the country with an unparalleled record of quick response for the affectees of any disaster. The Foundation has also set up an air ambulance service based at Karachi to supplement the field services.
“Even in these tough times, keeping up with the legendary Irish generosity, this gesture of Mayor Illingworth will encourage other citizens of Ireland to make donations to the Edhi Foundation,” Mr Butt concluded.
