Al-Khidmat Foundation is an NGO based in Lahore that provides humanitarian services across Pakistan. Recently, the foundation has expanded its operations to other countries and is engaged in welfare activities in India, Bangladesh, Syria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, and Myanmar.

The Foundation works in seven key areas: Disaster Management, Education, Health Services, Clean Water Services, Orphanages, and Community Services. Its latest endeavor is called the “Orphan Care Program”, a two-fold initiative that provides comprehensive mental, social, educational, and financial support to children, so that they will continue to live with their mothers or any other guardians in the case of death of both parents. In addition, the program offers shelters to orphans in nine facilities called Aghosh Homes.

Amid the surging number of COVID-19 infections across Pakistan, the Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan has set up a testing facility for coronavirus cases as part of the Alkhidmat Diagnostic Labs Network. The primary purpose behind the establishment of these facilities is to provide immediate relief to lower-income segments of society by offering tests at a reduced price. So far, the laboratory is operating in Lahore, but the Foundation is also working to establish similar testing facilities for COVID-19 in the cities of Karachi, Faisalabad, and Peshawar soon.

Check out their website for information on how to donate to their initiatives at https://alkhidmat.org/ways-to-donate/ and go to https://alkhidmat.org/volunteers/ to learn more about volunteering opportunities.