A Volunteer Appreciation Evening was held to accolade and recognise the honorary services of the volunteers of Aga Khan University (AKU) on Saturday, 5 March 2005. In addition to the coveted AKU Volunteer of the Year Award, gold and diamond studded pins were presented as a token of appreciation to a total of 273 young and old, male and female volunteers for their contribution of time and energies to the University during the years 2002 - 2004.
Mr Akberali Pesnani, President, His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Pakistan, was the chief guest on the occasion. Held at the pool side of the AKU Sports and Rehabilitation Centre, the programme was attended by a large number of volunteers, members of AKU faculty and staff as well as members of AKU Resource Development Committee, Pakistan.
In his welcome address, President Shamsh Kassim-Lakha congratulated the awardees for their hard work and dedication to the University and thanked all the volunteers for their selfless help to the Institution. Recognising the role of volunteers for their ongoing assistance in supplementing and complementing the efforts of AKU staff and faculty, and extending a helping hand to patients and others visiting AKUH, he said that AKU will never forget the services rendered by its volunteers. Advising the volunteers, he urged them to be effective and efficient in their service and develop themselves professionally and personally while they are at AKU. He thanked the AKUH-Karachi Lions Blood Bank Committee volunteers for their partnership and significant contribution to AKUH, for blood collection efforts.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest Mr Akberali Pesnani lauded the contribution of volunteers in the growth of the University. He pointed out that voluntary work is also a kind of donation in terms of giving time to those who need help in the society. Highlighting the benefits of 'wonderful tradition of volunteerism', Mr Pesnani said that the comfort and assistance provided through voluntary service helps one in obtaining a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction, and achieving balance in one's worldly and spiritual life. He also said that taking the guidance from His Highness the Aga Khan, it is absolutely crucial to achieve the volunteerisation of professionals and professionalisation of the volunteers. Thanking AKU for playing a key role and providing opportunities for volunteer work, Mr Pesnani said that the University is the best training ground and the volunteers should avail the facilities and services for improving their professional skills.
Since 1987, over 4,543 volunteers have been registered at AKU
Followed by Mr Pesnani's speech, Ms Parveen Damji, Chairperson of the AKU Gift Shop, on behalf of AKU Volunteer Services Department, presented a report on the past year's performance. Similarly, Mr Anwar Ajanee, Chairman of the AKUH-Karachi Lions Blood Bank Committee, gave an update on the activities of the Blood Bank Committee.
Gold and diamond studded pins were thereafter presented to the eligible volunteers of AKU by the chief guest, AKU President and members of AKU's senior management and faculty.
Based on pre-determined criteria, Volunteer of the Year Awards were presented by the chief guest, as follows:
- AKU Volunteer of the Year Award 2005 to Mrs Gulshan Feerasta.
- AKU Volunteer of the Year Award 2005 for AKUH-Karachi Lions Blood Bank Committee: Mr Hyder Ali Veljee.
A gold pin is awarded for each 1,000 hours of service. On completing 5,000 hours of service, a volunteer receives a diamond studded gold pin. The total awardees for 2002-2004 were:
- One gold pin 180
- Two gold pins 64
- Three gold pins 09
- Four gold pins 02
- Diamond studded gold pins 18
Total: 273
To recognise the efforts of the Blood Bank Committee, mementos were presented to eight leaders of the AKUH Blood Bank Committee and gifts were given to 15 members of the Committee.
A special award was given to Mr Al-Amin Chagani of the AKU Pharmacy for his dedication and high quality voluntary services.
The Chairpersons of AKU's Gift Shop, Flower Shop and the Snacks 'n' Things presented to President Shamsh Kassim-Lakha their combined contribution of Rs. 4.2 million for the AKU Patient Welfare Programme, out of the surplus earned during the year 2004. Thus far, an amount of Rs. 39 million has been contributed by the Volunteer Services for the support of needy patients.
The evening ended with a delightful dinner and a musical programme which was enjoyed by all volunteers.
