Now an armchair journey to the streets of Kabul and beyond…

My coworker Hassina is originally from Afghanistan.  Her family relocated to Colorado during the Russian invasion.  She’s lived the Colorado for many years and is well traveled with family abroad.  All that and she’s one of Denver’s finest media consultants too.  (For those companies who still have dollars left to advertise anyway.)

For the past few years her mother, Khadija Omar, has raised money to purchase wheelchairs and medical supplies for hospitals and aid organizations around Afghanistan.  The recent years have taken a major toll on the children due to war, land mines, and the general chaos that comes with a disorganized society.  Many children live with injuries and the constant reminders of war. They are the generation that must carry the brunt of the damage these difficult years of war have brought.  

With the passing of her mother in 2007 Hassina has taken over the charity, which not only involves fundraising but the complex task of coordinating delivery and travel logistics.  She recently returned from this year’s trip to Afghanistan, delivering these supplies and necessities to schools and hospitals.

Hassina has allowed me to share some of these photos, and as she reminds us we’re well served to remember that despite our squalid economy and domestic squabbles we are fortunate to have shelter, assistance for our children, and don’t live in fear of random attacks from sparring factions.

You can see photos and trip summaries at Children Of Aghanistan.com -   and also watch a recent 9News interview.  If you’re thinking the site design looks quite similar to this one that’s because I designed it.

Should you consider including this wonderful local cause in your group of charities there’s information on how to donate (now by credit card,)  Did you know Google checkout provides free processing for non-profits?

When she was planning her trip last fall I said I wanted to accompany her, but she forgot to pick me up that morning,citing concerns about my safety or something.  We’ll see how this year progresses, and hopefully conditions will allow yet another delivery this fall.  With or without me.

The below photos are of deliveries to hospitals and schools, some friends and family, and some general photos of city life.   Some photos, especially of the children, are tough to see.  However it is reality – which should never be ignored.   Others pictures simply describe the differences from Western life, such as this explosive going off while people in the foreground go about their business. 

Sorry I don’t have them all labeled, but there are more descriptions and history at Handicapped Children of Afghanistan.

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