Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital campaign raises over $70K in Melbourne

An unprecedented amount was raised for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC). Waseem Akram & Shaniera Akram honoured the event with their presence and auctioned off precious memorabilia to raise money for the charity.

Source: Photo Courtesy: Mohamed Nasir

Wasim Akram with his Australian wife Shaniera Akram. Source: Mohamed Nasir

Shaukat Khanum Foundation are going around the world to raise awareness and money for the cancer hospital. They are doing so by hosting gala dinners with Waseem Akram & Shaniera Akram. The event is called Lets Bowl Out Cancer.

Source: Mohamed Nasir

Talking to the audience in Melbourne Waseem shared his story as to how long he has been associated with the charity “I was first one with Imran bhai, we laid the first brick, we planted the first tree”. 

He then went on telling the audience on how important the cause is and it cannot run without the support of people who donate regularly.  “It is the only cancer hospital in the world where the poor are treated free of cost”.

Waseem lightened the mood by sharing a comic story from cricketing days and Shaniera shared her story of meeting Waseem and not knowing how famous he was.

Watch the event coverage & listen to the full comic story below:

While talking to SBS Urdu, Waseem said “It has been an amazing experience so far being associated with SKMCH&RC. The role is very rewarding knowing that I can do my bit to help the underprivileged. I urge each and every Pakistani to open their hearts and donate to this special cause.”

Source: Mohamed Nasir

When asked how has the response been in Australia so far, Waseem mentioned, the response has been amazing. People have come out and donated from their hearts. We had a very successful campaign in Sydney yesterday and hope to do the same here today in Melbourne. 

The target of this campaign is to start work on the new hospital in Karachi, which is expected to start by July 2018 and completed in 2020.

Source: Mohamed Nasir

Dr Sobia Rashid & Dr Rashid Bashir (Melbourne Organisers pictured above) told SBS Urdu that the response has been incredible. They have raised an unprecedented amount for the charity and are very humbled and thankful for people to openly donate to the cause.

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