As another year comes to an end for the current executive of Pakistan-Canada Association I feel the need to reflect upon the journey we have just been through. Two clear goals were set before us this year: give the younger members of our community a voice and establish a mainstream presence for the Pakistani community. The establishment of our Youth Committee and launch of our first youth-oriented boat cruise achieved our first goal and our involvement with the HSBC Run for the Cure in October, partnership with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, seat on the Commonwealth Associations of the Lower Mainland and participation in the First Annual Multicultural Festival set our second goal in motion. More work needs to be done on both fronts but the foundation has been laid for the next executive to follow.

I am also proud of the quality of event we were able to organize for you this year. Our summer picnic was a huge success and followed up by a sold out Independence Day with Junooni Salman Ahmed.

Of course the focus of our year quickly shifted on October 8th with the devastating earthquake in Northern Pakistan. An unprecedented level of media attention and outpouring of support and generosity bombarded this association. This was completely unchartered territory for us but we knew that the responsibility was ours to organize the local effort and assist our fellow Pakistanis. We faced obstacles and learned many lessons during the course of our fundraising efforts but carried on with determination, honesty and purpose.. I can’t thank enough all those people that volunteered their time, money, and belongings. We continue to pray for those that lost their lives and we pray for those still facing hardships. Even though our official fundraising efforts have come to an end the need for supplies and money will be ongoing for years to come. Please visit our website to find out how you can help.

And now it is time for this President to sign-off. A new executive will be elected on April 30th and a new year will begin for this association. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve my community for the past 4 years and the past year as its President. Much has been accomplished in that time and much still needs to be done. We still
face a divide in our community that unfortunately could not be bridged under this President’s term. Our youth have been given a voice but they need to be encouraged instead of discouraged.. They need to be made part of the solution and not the problem. Mainstream Canadians now know who we are.. We must now allow them to forget and we must continue to forge positive relationships in the self-interest of Lower Mainland Pakistanis. Only by moving beyond our limits, daring to challenge ourselves and take risks can we expect to achieve our goals and aspirations, whether it be a community center or political office we must look beyond what we have already achieved. I would like to thank all my executives and trustees for their hard work and commitment this year. It has been an honor gentlemen. All the best to the new PCA board.

With Respect,

Raza Mirani
President
E-mail: info@pakcan.com