NEWS
Letter from Nooristan Foundation President: 2011 Update & Progress
Dear Friends:
I want to thank you for supporting the Nooristan Foundation and to update you on what we have been doing during 2011. I know the news from Afghanistan tends to paint a bleak picture, mainly oriented toward the fighting and the country’s internal problems. Happily, all is not bleak. Progress in a country savaged by thirty years of war cannot be spectacular, but it is real if under-reported. Since 2001, there are eight times as many children attending school and a third are girls. There is much improved health care. There are many more miles of paved road; and even some industry. We should keep these positive developments in mind and not just dwell on the negatives. The Nooristan Foundation, in its modest way, is contributing to Afghanistan’s progress.
In the refugee camp at Bagh-e-Daoud, the women, the older girls and the children that we have been helping the past three years have, thanks to your support, come a long way from the despair I felt when I visited there in 2007. Initially, we distributed blankets, plastic sheeting, lentils, and fuel to tide the families through the harsh winter. More recently, we established literacy classes for more than 100 women and older girls and enabled 70 children to attend school, providing uniforms and school bags. After learning to read and write, the women asked us to help them acquire skills needed to earn a living for their families, freeing them from poverty. When I was back in Bagh-e-Daoud this January, the women were so proud of their achievements. We are now teaching them job skills such as sewing, poultry raising and carpentry.We will next help them to market the products that they are producing. Since they have become literate, the women feel empowered. Hope has replaced despair. They know that there are families in America who care for them, and this means a lot. I invite you to view the new video and picture gallery on our website to see the progress that has been made.
Because education is so important for the future of Afghanistan, we have decided to support a new program in Kandahar which will train 30 women to become teachers. Only 15% of teachers in Kandahar have had any professional training. Mrs. Sakeena Yacoobi, a Nobel prize nominee for her work in education for women, is supervising this program. Our small village school in Nooristan Province is experiencing some problems due to the substantial Taliban presence there. For the moment, we have had to put this project on hold. We are, nevertheless, pleased that we were able to provide professional training for 7 teachers from Nooristan this March. We also are continuing to explore possibility of establishing a midwife training program for village women from Logar Province.
As we look to Afghanistan’s future, it is so important that we Americans continue to show our support for Afghan women and children. Small private assistance programs, like those of the Nooristan Foundation, reach people in a meaningful way. We are deeply grateful for all your generous help and do hope that you will continue your support.
GREAT NEWS: The French Embassy has kindly agreed to help us once more by hosting our “Evening of Hope for Afghanistan” on May 18, 2012. Save the date!!
Thank you kindly,
Marie Kux
President
UPCOMING EVENT: Tickets Available Online for 2011 Spring Soiree: Evening of Hope Benefit
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE: https://ssl.4agoodcause.com/donation1.aspx?id=66
Benefactor ($1,000, four tickets)
Sponsor ($500, three tickets)
Supporter ($200 per person)
Friend ($150 per person)
If you are unable to attend, but wish to support Nooristan Foundation, please make your donation here: https://ssl.4agoodcause.com/donation1.aspx?id=66
Multicultural Comedy Event To Benefit Nooristan Foundation
MULTICULTURAL COMEDIANS PERFORM IN ‘FUNATICAL: TAKING COMEDY TO THE EXTREME’, A STAND-UP TOUR COMING TO NORTHERN VIRGINIA TO BENEFIT NOORISTAN FOUNDATION
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Diverse new line-up includes world famous comedian AHMED AHMED ( ‘Iron Man’, ‘You Don’t Mess With The Zohan’, ‘Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Show’, Tonight Show with Jay Leno, ‘Axis of Evil’ Comedy Tour, ‘Swingers’, ‘Roseanne’, MTV’s ‘PUNK’D’, Comedy Central and Showtime), MATT KAZAM (NBC’s ‘Last Comic Standing’, Fox, VH-1, TLC, Discovery, XM Satellite), MARIA SHEHATA (Comedy Central, Sirius Satellite, Showtime), OMAR REGAN (Rush Hour 2) and PAUL SINGH (Apollo Theater, Carolines, Gotham, Stand Up NY, Comedy Cellar, Laugh Factory) and SAID DURRAH who will lampoon current events, culture, religion and politics. Hosted by TEHRAN GHASRI (Laugh Factory, Warner Theater).
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Washington D.C. – The dramatic changes in the Middle East region are leading to a new paradigm for understanding conflict and the pursuit of freedom by people, no matter what their religion or origin. Efforts to build bridges between communities are being propelled by social media, education and entertainment. Can comedy, traditionally viewed as “light” entertainment, be utilized as a tool for cultural diplomacy?
PlanetPix Media & Entertainment Group is raising the stakes again after a string of interfaith & intercultural comedy shows launched in the Los Angeles area in December 2010. The group announced recently that ‘FUNATICAL: Taking Comedy to the Extreme’s We Come in Peace Tour’ will arrive in the Northern Virginia area on Thursday night, April 14th, 2011 at Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse in Arlington, VA and Saturday night, April 16th, 2011 at Ernst Cultural Theater at NVCC in Annandale, VA.
‘FUNATICAL: Taking Comedy to the Extreme!’ is a hip intercultural, interfaith comedy tour that breaks stereotypes and bridges gaps between people of diverse cultures and faiths. Comedians poke fun of culture and current events, which they lampoon with humor and satire. With increased Islamophobia in America and the current turmoil in the Middle East, ‘FUNATICAL’ promotes cultural and religious understanding through laughter. The shows are produced by an interfaith team who uses comedy as an equalizer to counter prejudices in a humorous way.
The shows will benefit the Nooristan Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit that provides support for charitable and educational projects in Afghanistan.
PlanetPix Media & Entertainment Group is a multicultural media, communications and entertainment production company that promotes cultural understanding and unity.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9cD1MrWKv4
FUNATICAL LA Premiere: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgdsyS1ijSo
More info: http://www.funaticalcomedy.com
Happy Holidays: Nooristan Foundation Progress
Dear Friends:
We are happy to report that the Nooristan Foundation has been making good progress in implementing its three projects which focus on women and children in rural areas. Indeed, despite all the problems Afghanistan faces, it has been moving forward in a number of areas, especially in providing better educational opportunities and health care services.
• New Beginnings: Our efforts to help the 81 families in the Baghe Daoud refugee camp have advanced from providing emergency winter aid in 2008 (blankets, food, etc.) to establishing literacy classes for 57 women; another 55 women are very eager to enroll. They should be able to read and write in a year. We have also arranged for 56 children to attend a government school. We provided school uniforms, school bags and 286 bicycles, permitting children to cycle to school and giving the families greater mobility. Working with our local partner, we now plan to teach the women job skills to enable them to earn a living for their families rather than depend on handouts. It is well established that when women are educated the family and community benefit. Attitudes have changed dramatically since we visited them in 2007. Then, the refugees were desperate, talking of suicide and joining the Taliban. Today, they have hope for a better future.
• Midwife Training: We have now completed a second cycle of refresher training for 80 midwives in Takhar province, working with the Afghan Midwives Association. Given the dramatically high maternal mortality rate in Afghanistan (1600 deaths for every 100,000 births) midwife training has been one of our priorities. In a post-training survey that we conducted, many women said that because of all the suffering and dying they had witnessed their becoming midwives was “my country necessity” (sic). The midwives found their role in society both “useful and respected.” In Takhar province, since the training began, there has been a drop in deaths during childbirth.
• Nooristan Mountain School: Last year, in Pasigam village, we launched a primary school for 70 girls and boys using rented quarters. We are now working with our local partner and the village council to build a school which will also serve as a community center. As there is no electricity, we are equipping the building with solar panels. In line with Greg Mortenson’s philosophy, the village council is providing the land and labor for the project. We are also arranging a training program for the teachers in Kabul.
In order to continue and hopefully expand our projects, we need your help. At this time of giving and sharing, we do hope that you will once again support our efforts. You can do so by donating to the Nooristan Foundation (Bank of America Account: 0041-2658-5667 or by credit card through our website (http://www.nooristanfoundation.org/index.php/nor_support/donate/). Donations are tax deductible in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code.
I will be visiting Afghanistan in late January and will report on my impressions. Again our heartfelt gratitude for your help and moral support,
Marie Kux
President
Nina McLemore Hosts Nooristan Foundation
Georgetowner Nina McLemore threw open her doors on Oct. 20 to host a fashion show and sale of her latest collection of quality clothing designed for today’s multi-faceted women to benefit the Nooristan Foundation. Nooristan is a non-profit providing humanitarian, medical and educational support for rural areas in Afghanistan. Projects include livelihood assistance and literacy for 90 families in a refugee camp outside Kabul, training midwives in Takhar province and establishing a village school in Nooristan. Nina sells primarily through independent consultants holding private trunk shows. Better specialty locations and eight recently established permanent eponymous stores showcase her wearable and travelable fashions.
http://www.georgetowner.com/articles/2010/nov/03/nina-mclemore-hosts-nooristan-foundation/
Past Event: Fashion Show to Benefit Nooristan Foundation
DRESS FOR A CAUSE
Nina McLemore’s Fashion Show to benefit Nooristan Foundation
DATE: Wednesday, October 20th, 2010
TIME: 4 pm - 8 pm
LOCATION: 1693 32nd St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
MORE: Wine, cheese and Afghan refreshments
Presentation at 6 pm
RSVP: 703-836-3398 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
15% proceeds of sales donated to Nooristan Foundation
The Nooristan Foundation (http://www.nooristanfoundation.org) is a volunteer non-profit organization providing humanitarian, medical and educational support for rural areas of Afghanistan. The foundation’s projects include livelihood assistance and literacy for 90 families in a refugee camp outside Kabul, training of 80 midwives in Takhar province and establishing a village school in Nooristan.
Nina McLemore is a popular line of clothing designed by a woman with fashion and business expertise, for smart, confident women on the go.
Parking is usually available on R St near Dumbarton Oaks. 1693 32nd St is located between R and S Streets and is one-way heading down from R.
Voice of America (Afghanistan) Coverage of ‘Evening of Hope’ Event
Spring Soiree - An Evening of Hope to Benefit Afghanistan
Nooristan Foundation mentioned on CBS News Segment Featuring Mariam Atash Nawabi
Nooristan Foundation is mentioned in a CBS News segment featuring one of the Foundation’s VPs Mariam Nawabi:
Nooristan Foundation Featured In New Book “Help The Cause in Afghanistan”
Nooristan Foundation is highlighted in Jim Hake’s new book “101 Ways To Help the Cause in Afghanistan”. The book, published in December 2009, provides 101 ways one can make a difference in Afghanistan.
“Help the Cause offers ways to directly assist the Afghan people and reduce conflict and hostility. We all seek an Afghanistan that is peaceful, tolerant and free. This book shows how you can help achieve that goal.” —Peter Ackerman, Founding Chair, International Center on Nonviolent Conflict
Nooristan Foundation News & Updates - Fall/Winter 2009
Dear Friends,
Given your generous interest toward Afghanistan, I am certain that you have paid great attention to what is happening there. Events can be confusing and even discouraging. However, instead of dampening our commitment to help our Afghan friends move their country toward greater peace and stability, this should strengthen it. This is the time to make a difference.
Poverty, as Nobel Prize winner Mohammed Yunus states, is a threat to peace. The investment in social change will pay off provided we stay the course. I believe that our “soft” strategy of helping people will continue to build friendships. I am writing to ask you to maintain your support to the Nooristan Foundation. Together we have started to build a better world, let us continue.
In recent months, thanks to your help, Nooristan Foundation has been able to make tangible progress (see below). I want to thank you again for your continued trust and generosity. By themselves, the Nooristan Foundation’s programs are modest, but each makes a tangible difference in the lives of poor Afghans. We are contributing to our nation’s effort in Afghanistan. To enable us to continue this work, we hope that the Foundation can count on your further financial support. Afghanistan remains a worthy cause.
Thank you very much for your support,
Marie Kux
President
TAKHAR MIDWIFE TRAINING PROGRAM
The Nooristan Foundation, with its partners, the Marigold Fund and the Afghan Midwives Association, has supported the training of 80 midwives in Takhar province. This area has one of the worst maternal mortality rates in the world, with approximately 1600 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births per year. Throughout Afghanistan, there is a critical shortage of health care workers and facilities. It is estimated that there is presently only one doctor for every 50,000 (UNDP).
Your donations at the Foundation’s spring benefit at the Embassy of Greece and a further $10,000 grant from American Women for International Understanding (AWIU), our key benefactor, have enabled us to continue to fund the midwife program. Most women have embraced this profession after witnessing tragedy and often death in childbirth. We know that a mother’s death has costs beyond the loss of life. Given how vital midwives are, we hope that in the future the Foundation will be able to raise the funds for similar training programs in other needy areas. To view images, click on our gallery
PASIGAM VILLAGE SCHOOL, NOORISTAN
Nooristan Foundation and Raqim Foundation have partnered to support the establishment of a village school in the Nooristan province of Afghanistan, an area that has seen heavy warfare recently.
With over $5,000 in donations gathered by Raqim Foundation and Nooristan Foundation, funding was sent to provide support for the first three months of operation of the school. This covered teacher salaries, caretakers, school supplies, transportation, rent for suitable quarters, school bags, and art supplies. Local craftsmen were hired to build desks and chairs. Classes started on July 1st, 2009. Despite the tense security situation in Nooristan and logistical obstacles, significant progress has been made.
The support of Nooristan Foundation, Raqim Foundation, volunteers and donors like you has led to the establishment of the only primary school in Pasigam Village. One school at a time, we can make a difference.
NEW BEGINNINGS, BAGHE DAOUD CAMP
Several million Afghans fled to Pakistan and Iran to escape fighting and the Taliban. Many have returned hoping to rebuild their lives, but the ongoing conflict and the lack of socio-economic opportunities have left thousands in heart-breaking conditions, abandoned by the government.
Last winter, again thanks to you, the Foundation provided $11,000 for emergency relief to some 92 internally displaced families at Baghe Daoud, an hour from Kabul. Our help enabled these destitute refugees to survive the bitter cold. We provided each family with plastic sheeting, blankets, fuel, rice, flour, beans, sugar and tea.
The Foundation is now working with PARSA, a local NGO, to develop and implement a program to give these desperately poor families a “new beginning,” the skills they need to lift themselves out of poverty. We are trying to answer their desperate plea that we not abandon them.
THANK YOU
Through the generous support of donors like you, and the dedicated service of its Board and Committee members, Nooristan Foundation has helped to get assistance from the people of the United States directly to the people of Afghanistan. This has been done with very little overhead since Nooristan Foundation’s Board and Committee members are all volunteers. The three programs above are the current projects of focus for the Foundation, but more can be done. You can make a difference in the lives of individuals who have experienced great conflict and hardship.
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Parween Mascari for organizing “Generation Morgantown Fundraiser for Pasigam Village School” in West Virginia in June 2009. The event raised awareness and funds for Nooristan Foundation’s village school project.
Ann-Scott Ettinger and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane WA for organizing an auction in the month of October to benefit Nooristan Foundation.
Embassy of Greece Fundraiser Host Committee:
Mr. Omar Sultan
Ambassador of Afghanistan Said Tayeb Jawad and Mrs. Shamim Jawad
Mr. Omar Khan Masoudi
Senator Olympia Snowe
Congressman and Mrs. Howard Berman
Congressman and Mrs. Lee H. Hamilton
Congressman and Mrs. Dana Rohrabacher
Congressman and Mrs. John Sarbanes
Congressman and Mrs. Chris Van Hollen
Congressman and Mrs. Robert Wexler
Ambassador and Mrs. Ronald Neumann
Ambassador and Mrs. Thomas Pickering
Honorable Mr. and Mrs. Robert McFarlane
Mr. and Mrs. Arnaud de Borchgrave
Mrs. Doris Buffet
Mrs. Caroline Firestone
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Mahmood
Mrs. Robin Read
Mrs. Diana Rowan Rockefeller
Mr. and Mrs. George Stephanopoulos
Mr. Nick Verreos
All of Nooristan Foundation volunteers and sub-committee members!
The Nooristan Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 1999. Its purpose it to provide support for charitable and educational projects in rural areas of Afghanistan. After beginning its activities in the Nooristan Province, it has expanded and has provided assistance in other areas of Afghanistan, including Bamiyan, Takhar, Laghman, and Kabul. Nooristan Foundation believes that supporting development of rural areas of Afghanistan is a key to the country’s stability and global security.
Nooristan Foundation in The National Herald
Voice of America Coverage of Nooristan Foundation Event!
Watch Voice of America’s coverage of the Nooristan Foundation event at the Embassy of Greece here. Coverage begins at 15:55:
http://www.voanews.com/wm/voa/sca/dari/dari1330vbSUN.asx
Note: Segment is in Dari
High-Profile Event Fetches Funds For School In Nuristan
Lalit K. Jha - May 10, 2009
WASHINGTON (PAN): A high profile event attended by powerful lawmakers and eminent people last week raised enough funds to establish the first primary school in Pasigam village in the remote mountains of Nooristan province, organizers announced Saturday.
Hosted by the Embassy of Greece in Washington, the fundraiser event was organized by Nooristan Foundation, a non-profit US organization working in the Afghan province carrying the same name.
Aptly named “In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great”, the event among others was attended by Congressman Howard Berman, Chairman of the powerful House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Congressmen Lee Hamilton, Dana Rohrabacher, John Sarbanes, Chris Hollen and Robert Wexler.
The former US Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ronald Neumann and Thomas Pickering also attended the fundraiser event which was marked by a cultural event. Nooristan Foundation’s President, Marie Kux, shared information on projects that would be supported by the event, which include a village school in the Pasigam village of Nooristan Province, a midwife training project in Takhar Province and a project to assist internally displaced persons in Kabul Province.
People attending the event, also enjoyed a fascinating lecture by well-known archeologist and curator of the exhibition Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan, Dr. Fredrik Hiebert. Using images of historic finds, Dr. Hiebert shed light on the influences of Grecian art in Afghan art and design. After the lecture, excerpts of a BBC documentary tracing Alexander the Great’s journey was screened for the audience.
Nooristan Foundation’s founder Dr. Nadir Atash said: “Providing support for education and economic development throughout Afghanistan, especially for rural areas, is vital to securing stability. The Afghan people have suffered tremendously and want to live in peace and work towards a better future.”
Nooristan Foundation Benefit a Huge Success
High Profile Dignitaries, Congressional Representatives and Socialites Join Over 250 Guests at Unique Cultural Event to Benefit Afghanistan
Washington D.C. – The Embassy of Greece in Washington D.C. hosted a special event to celebrate the cultural, historic and political connections between Greece and Afghanistan. As part of NATO, Greece has committed troops to Afghanistan and also supports education and cultural preservation projects. Historians have written about the descendants of Alexander the Great’s Macedonian army, some who remained in the valleys of present day Afghanistan during his effort to conquer Asia. This can particularly be seen in Nooristan province. Language, dress and dance styles are reminders of this historic connection. Although Afghanistan has experienced war and conflict in recent decades, its archeological sites are still revealing fascinating treasures of its ancient cultures.
The event was co-hosted by Nooristan Foundation, a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides humanitarian, medical, and educational assistance to rural areas of Afghanistan. Prominent individuals traveled from many different states to join Washingtonians for the much anticipated event.
“In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great,” started with welcoming remarks by Greece’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Alexandros Mallias at the Embassy’s Cultural Center. Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Culture, Mr. Omar Sultan, who was educated in Greece in the 1970s, shared insights on current efforts to preserve Afghanistan’s cultural heritage and monuments. Congressman Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Honorary Host Committee for the event, attended and discussed Congressional efforts to support Afghanistan.
Mrs. Marie Kux, Nooristan Foundation’s President, shared information on projects that would be supported by the event, which include a village school in the Pasigam Village of Nooristan Province, a midwife training project in Takhar Province and a project to assist internally displaced persons in Kabul Province. Mrs. Shamim Jawad, the wife of the Afghan Ambassador to the United States Said Tayeb Jawad, expressed her gratitude for the Foundation and the Greek government’s support for development in Afghanistan.
Guests then enjoyed a fascinating lecture by well-known archaeologist and curator of the exhibition “Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan,” Dr. Fredrik Hiebert. Using images of historic finds, Dr. Hiebert shed light on the influences of Grecian art in Afghan art and design. After the lecture, excerpts of a BBC documentary tracing Alexander the Great’s journey was screened for the audience.
A dinner buffet of authentic Afghan cuisine, provided by Bamian Restaurant, as well as Greek delicacies, were served in the Embassy’s reception hall. Attendees in the ballroom enjoyed listening and dancing to music by an ensemble of Greek musicians. At the end of the evening, airline tickets to Greece donated by Olympic Airlines and Aegen Airlines were auctioned to benefit Nooristan Foundation. Guests received Afghan hand embroidered gifts from Artizan Sarai, as well the film “Qadir”, courtesy of the Greek Embassy.
Nooristan Foundation’s founder Dr. Nadir Atash, the first Afghan-American to establish a non-profit that provides assistance to the Nooristan Province states, “Providing support for education and economic development throughout Afghanistan, especially for rural areas, is vital to securing stability. The Afghan people have suffered tremendously and want to live in peace and work towards a better future.”
After the event, Nooristan Foundation announced that the benefit raised enough funds to establish the first primary school in Pasigam Village, in the remote mountains of Nooristan.
The celebration left its mark on those who attended and created a new sense of appreciation for the connections between these countries. A new connection between Greeks, Afghans and Americans has thus been forged, building the future for children in Afghanistan.
Tickets Available Online: Embassy of Greece to Host Benefit for Nooristan Foundation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From Nooristan Foundation
April 23rd, 2009, Washington D.C. - Greece’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Ambassador Mallias and Mrs. Mallias will host an event to celebrate the cultural and historic linkage between Greece and Afghanistan on Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. The event will also raise funds and awareness for Nooristan Foundation’s programs. The event, “In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great,” will include a reception, authentic Greek dinner, live Greek and Afghan music, a short film presentation and a silent auction.
Nooristan Foundation President Marie Kux states, “It is important for the Afghan people to reclaim their history. We are happy that the Embassy of Greece in Washington, D.C. has been gracious to host this wonderful cultural celebration that shows the connection between Greece and Afghanistan.”
HONORARY PATRON
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece Mrs. Dora Bakoyiannis
HONORARY CHAIR
H.E. The Ambassador of Greece and Mrs. Alexandros P. Mallias
HONORARY HOST COMMITTEE
Mr. Omar Sultan, Deputy Minister of Culture of Afghanistan
Ambassador of Afghanistan Said Tayeb Jawad and Mrs. Shamim Jawad
Mr. Omar Khan Masoudi, Director General of the National Museum of Afghanistan
Congressman and Mrs. Howard Berman
Congressman and Mrs. Lee H. Hamilton
Congressman and Mrs. Dana Rohrabacher
Congressman and Mrs. John Sarbanes
Congressman and Mrs. Chris Van Hollen
Congressman and Mrs. Robert Wexler
Ambassador and Mrs. Ronald Neumann
Ambassador and Mrs. Thomas Pickering
Honorable Mr. and Mrs. Robert McFarlane
Mr. and Mrs. Arnaud de Borchgrave
Mrs. Doris Buffet
Mrs. Caroline Firestone
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Mahmood
Mrs. Robin Read
Mrs. Diana Rowan Rockefeller
Mr. and Mrs. George Stephanopoulos
Fashion Designer Nick Verreos
The event is open to those who purchase tickets or serve as corporate sponsors. Tickets proceeds will be used towards the Foundation’s programs in Afghanistan.
For more information about the event, contact Nooristan Foundation at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Nooristan Foundation Provides Humanitarian Assistance to Families In Baghe Daoud Refugee Camp
March 31st 2009, Northern VA - Nooristan Foundation completed a winter relief distribution to benefit 92 families in a refugee camp an hour outside of Kabul. Through the generous support of members, volunteers, and donors, Nooristan Foundation has raised close to $14,000 to date to provide essential supplies to help the families survive the harsh winter in Afghanistan.
The plight of these internally displaced persons was seen by Nooristan Foundation’s President, Mrs. Marie Kux, during her trip to Afghanistan in 2006. Mrs. Kux states, “I could not get these families out of my mind and was constantly reminded of their struggle to survive in very difficult conditions.” The Foundation decided it would take action to assist these families.
The Foundation is now working on a project, “New Beginnings,” which will assist the families to become more self-sufficient. Initially, Nooristan Foundation was going to purchase tents and supplies, but at the request of the families, blankets, plastic sheeting and other supplies were purchased. With the donations, Nooristan Foundation provided each family with blankets, plastic sheeting to cover holes in the shelter they live in, food, and fuel.
Families in Baghe Daoud expressed great appreciation for the Foundation’s support. They expressed frustration regarding the lack of assistance by the Afghan government or international donors. The Foundation is working to raise funds for the project, which will provide the families with opportunities as they begin a new life.
Project Runway Designer & TV Host Nick Verreos Joins Host Committee
March 13th, 2009 - We are pleased to announce that fashion designer and TV host Nick Verreos is joining the host committee of “In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great” on May 5th, 2009 at the Embassy of Greece in Washington, D.C. Nick’s Greek heritage and compassion for international affairs, including Afghanistan, will help raise awareness for the event, and ultimately the cause.
Please request your ticket for this exciting and meaningful event today before it is sold out. Remember, proceeds from the ticket sales go directly to projects that help Afghans in need. Nooristan Foundation is a volunteer organization with minimal overhead costs. Please visit the PROJECT section of our website to see how we have helped Afghan women, children, and families over the years.
For ticket information, contact us today at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). We look forward to seeing you there!
About Nick Verreos:
Fashion designer Nick Verreos received national and international attention after appearing on Bravo’s Project Runway. Nick has since enjoyed success as a red carpet fashion expert on TV Guide’s Fashion Wrap with Lisa Rinna, Fashion Team, SoapNet’s EmmyAwards Red Carpet Coverage and E! Countdown to the Academy Awards.
He has appeared on MTV’s The Hills, WB’s Crowned and Project Runway Canada and is now one of the Glam Squad on the MSN.com style site, Style Studio. Under his label NIKOLAKI, alongside partner David Paul, Nick designed Marlee Matlin’s gown for the 2008 Academy Awards and has dressed celebrities such as Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria, Brenda Strong of Desperate Housewives and comedian Kathy Griffin.
In addition, he has also become a much-sought after speaker at various Universities across the US. Nick will debut his Spring 2009 Collection in November at the Islands of the World Fashion Week in the Bahamas.
PAST EVENT: Nooristan Foundation Mobilizes DC Area Communities to Donate Winter Clothing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1st, 2008 - Nooristan Foundation today concluded a successful winter clothing and blanket drive for the needy in Afghanistan. The Foundation mobilized the Afghan-American community, as well as students and U.S. businesses, to assist with the drive. Through this effort, one container of clothing was packed and shipped by DHL Global Logistics to Afghanisatan.
For the collection, the Foundation partnered with Blanket Brigade, an organization that has organized collection drives in the past. Collectively, the organizations set up donation drop off points in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and promoted the drive to the Afghan-American community, churches, schools and universities. DHL Global Logistics generously offered free shipment of the winter clothing to Afghanistan.
Nooristan Foundation has selected Afghans4Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization that has experience implementing humanitarian projects in Afghanistan, to serve as the Foundation’s distribution partner in Afghanistan. The project was made possible through the volunteer efforts of Mr. Atta Amin, an Afghan-American businessman who connected the Foundation to DHL.
Nooristan Foundation hopes to support additional efforts in the future that can allocate necessary and useful supplies to poor communities in Afghanistan.
PAST EVENT: Nooristan Foundation, Blanket Brigade, DHL Clothing Drive
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2008, Northern VA - Nooristan Foundation partnered with Blanket Brigade, an organization that has organized collection drives in the past. Collectively, the organizations set up donation drop off points in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and promoted the drive to the Afghan-American community. DHL offered free shipment of the clothing to Afghanistan. Blanket Brigade helped to secure a location, promoted the drive, and is going to help with distribution. Afghans4Tomorrow, an NGO in Afghanistan, successfully distributed the clothing.
