Newsletter 2008

Issue number 14 Autumn 2008

FOREWORD FROM THE CHAIRMAN
May Al-Daftari

During the Board meetings over the past few months, the Trustees considered the future of MAIC and sadly decid¬ed to wind up the charity on 30th June 2009. The decision was not an easy one, and reached only after giving a lot of painstaking thought to the future of the charity.

MAIC was founded in 1995 with the objective of send¬ing emergency supplies to paediatric hospitals in Iraq. With your generous support we worked under very hard conditions to supply hospitals with their emergency medical needs during the sanctions period, the war and the following five years. Despite these difficult circumstances MAIC's members have shown great dedication and commitment to this worthy humanitarian cause and saved thousands of very sick children. During our 14 year period of existence, we raised a total of £3.7m in donations and sent medical supplies valued at £3.3m. We estimate the number of children saved or who have benefited from our aid exceeds 350,000 children. Between 2005 and 2007 we sponsored the training of 9 Iraqi doctors at UK hospitals. MAIC's aid projects offered great support to the hospitals at a time when medical conditions and supplies in Iraq were at their worst.

With the Iraqi Government's recent regulation restricting Iraqi hospitals from receiving medicines from charities we feel that the time has come to make new objectives that require long term aid planning. This would result in a diversion from our founding objective of meeting emergency medical needs. Last but not least, the Trustees were unable to find a new generation of Trustees who have the time and commitment required to run the charity at its present standard. We hope that new or other current organisations can be more efficient at this task.

In reviewing MAIC's projects for 2008, we were able to deliver medical shipments valued at £257,960 to hospi¬tals in Baghdad and Basrah. MAIC's reserves and remaining funds together with further donations received before 31st March 2009 will be used to fund our last medical shipments to hospitals to be delivered before mid 2009.

On behalf of the MAIC Trustees I wish to express our sincerest gratitude and deep appreciation to you all for your generous and un-wavering support of MAIC over the past years and wish you a healthy and peaceful 2009.

REVIEW OF FUNDRAISING EVENTS
DECEMBER 2006 - DECEMBER 2007

• On Saturday 15th March 2008, MAIC held its Annual Gala Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Knightsbridge. Over 120 guests attended and enjoyed a wonderful evening commemorating MAIC's medical projects over the last year. We were also able to highlight our present projects which encouraged many of our supporters to bid and raise £16,600.00 from our auction alone. We are very grateful to Miss Dina Mousawi, a young Iraqi actress, who donated her performance of a captivating contemporary dance. MAIC would like to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters, who helped raise a total of £64,935.96 towards our projects for this year.

Doctors and technicians at the Basrah Prosthetic Centre, February 2008

UPDATE OF MEDICAL DELIVERIES TO PAEDIATRIC HOSPITALS IN IRAQ 2008

*Transportation and delivery costs totalled £157.00. The above items were sponsored through the generosity of: Nottingham Friends of the Iraqi People, Ms C.M. Burrough, Darlington Rotary Club, Mr. R. Miller, Ms Chantelle Gaston, Ms A. Sufit, Serenity Productions, Ms J. Durham, Mr. Andrew Schneider and Ms Marni E. Rogalsky. Balance paid from MAIC's reserves.

The above items were sponsored through the generosity of an anonymous corporate donor.

The above item was sponsored through the generosity of: an anonymous corporate donor, Foundation Ousseimi and Ms Fawziya Juffali. Balance paid from MAIC's reserves.

The above items were sponsored through the generosity of: Arab Bankers Association, The Thames Wharf Charity, Moudivendar, Mrs Hadba Kabbani, Kensington Chelsea Womens Club, Dajani Pharmacy (collection box), Mr. K. & Mrs W. Mufti, Dr W.J. MacRae, Ms S.V.Wilson, Mr. & Mrs R.J. Moffett, Ms Sherine Malko and S. Patil.

The above items were sponsored through the generosity of: Bancroft's School, Dina Mousawi (Rhythms of Hope), Madame Effat Zalt, Mr. Saif Al-Saadoon, Mr. & Mrs Rashid Farman Farmaian, Mr. Jamie Lamonte in memory of Annette Lamonte, Ms Kate Targett & Ms Maureen Wilsker, Parochial Church Councilof St. Chad's, Reverend J. Stephenson's book sales and his collection from donors including; Mrs E. Coombs, Dr. & Mrs Speight, Mr. & Mrs R.J. Payne, D. Sheldon, Mr. C.B. & Mrs M. Vaughan, D. & M. Scott, Mrs E.R. Hinkes, Mr. G. Purdon, Mrs J.M. Taylor, Reverend Partridge, Ms. Williams & Mr Winstanley and J.&K. Foster, and all CAF donors including; Dr. K.A. Shoaib & Miss W.J. Corum. Balance paid from MAIC's reserves.

The above item was sponsored through the generosity of: Just Giving donors including; Mr. Jasneet Gillon & sponsors for the Reading Half Marathon, Mr. Aboodi Shabi & sponsors for the BUPA London 10k , Ms Selwa Kazwini, Mr. Alan Farquhar & sponsors for the Edinburgh 10k, Dr. Salim Shubber, Mr. Aristeidis Fraggos, Mr. Sufian Al-Mukhar and Mr. Mark Sinjakli and standing order donors including; Indigo Futures Ltd, J.A. Kassir, M. Burgui Artajo, Mrs Hopkins, Ms E. Shackle, D.M. & M.F. Wright, Dr. D. Cromwell, M. D'Souza, A. Qaddoumi, Dr. M. Heatley, R.H. & C. Livingstone, Reverend Chadd,
Mrs R. Narcisi, R.S. Cowper, B. Ibrahim, A. Taylor & A.A. McKenley-Ballan. Also Ms Nicola Begg, Mrs M. Hill, Gotham Erskine, Ms Rita Balneaves, Mr. & Mrs A. Kazwini and K. Jones.

The above items were sponsored through the generosity of an anonymous corporate donor.

The above items were sponsored through the generosity of donors at MAIC's 2008 Gala Dinner including; Mr. Ahmed Ismail, HE Sheikh G. Shaker, Mr. Magdi Jameel, Mrs Mariam Askari, Mrs Latifa Kosta, Dr. Ramzi Dalloul, Mrs May Al-Daftari, Mr. Ali Al-Daftari, Dr. & Mrs David Sambar, Mr. & Mrs Imad Habba, Mr. &Mrs Basil Abbou, Reuben Brothers Foundation, Mr. & Mrs Basil Faidhi, Mr. & Mrs Sahar Akhras, Mr. George Asseily, Mr. & Mrs K. Mufti, Mr. George Kardouche, Mrs A. Marmarchi, Mr. & Mrs Darzi, Dr. Zaid Abboudi, Mrs A. Hallak, Mrs Suzanne Eugene Saad, Mr. Irvani, Mr. & Mrs Ahmed Al-
Farisi, Mrs Sylvia Edwards, Mr. Martin Wyatt and Mr. Arthur Bowen.

The above items were purchased with MAIC's reserves.

Fluoroscopy machine delivered to the Children’s Welfare Teaching Hospital in May 2008

IN THE PIPELINE

All donations received between September 2008 and 31st March 2009 will be sponsoring the following three consignments. Any remaining funds after purchasing the medical supplies listed below will be used to fund a further shipment or be donated to a similar charity. Please note MAIC will cease its operations on 31st May 2009 and offices will be closed on 30th June 2009.

Forthcoming Medical Supplies to Paediatric Hospitals in Iraq for 2009:

The above items will be sponsored through the generosity of: Reverend J. Stephenson's book sales and his collection from donors including; P.A. Barrass, Mrs Y. Clarke, D. Sheldon, Mrs E.R. Hinkes, F.R. & B.A. McManus, B. Rodgers, Mr. C.B. Vaughan & Mrs M. Vaughan, J&K. Foster & Mr. G. Purdon and Standing order donors including; Indigo Futures Ltd, J.A. Kassir, M. Burgui Artajo, Mrs Hopkins, Ms E. Shackle, D.M. & M.F. Wright, Dr. D. Cromwell, M. D'Souza, A. Qaddoumi, Dr. M. Heatley, R.H. &
C. Livingstone, R.S. Cowper, B. Ibrahim, A. Taylor & A.A. McKenley-Ballan. Balance to be paid from all further donations made to MAIC and MAIC's reserves.

The above items will be sponsored through the generosity of the charity Medical Aid for Iraq (MAI).

The above items will be sponsored through the generosity of: Mr. Samuel Pine (THE THAW Exhibition), Ms Maysa Ibrahim, Mr. James Walker, all Just Giving donors including; Mr. Daniel Mays & sponsors (climbing Mount Kilimanjaro), Miss Ahelem Jouied, Mr. Stephane Zebouni & Mr. Tarik Rahman, and Moudivendar, Ms S.V. Wilson, Peckham Stop the War and Harry Gilliat Warner. Balance to be paid from all further donations made to MAIC and MAIC's reserves.

PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR MAIC

MAIC wishes to thank all foundations, organisations, corporations, fundraisers and individuals, who have so generously donated their time and resources to MAIC including the following list of organisers who have held fundraising events since January 2008.

• The members of East House at Bancroft's School for their valued effort in holding the fundraising events “Las Vegas” and “The Olympiad” which raised substantial funds for MAIC.

• Mr. Jasneet Gillon for his valued effort in raising substantial funds by completing the ASICS Reading Half Marathon 2008.

• Mr. Aboodi Shabi for his valued effort in raising substantial funds by completing the BUPA London 10k run.

• Ms Dina Mousawi for her valued effort in holding “Rhythms of Hope - Iraq” and raising generous funds for MAIC.

• Mr. Samuel Pine for holding “The Thaw” art exhibition to raise funds for MAIC.

• Reverend J. Stephenson for his continuous efforts in writing and selling his books in aid of MAIC.

• Mr. Daniel Mays for his valued effort in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for MAIC.

• Mr. Jamie Lamont for kindly donating funds raised through a collection in memory of his mother, Annette Lamont.

• Miss Maysa Ibrahim for holding a ramandan benefit dinner in aid of MAIC.

• Ms Kate Targett and Ms Maureen Wilsker for kindly donating funds raised from the sale of their “P(eace)-Shirts.”

• Dajani Pharmacy and especially Mrs Hikmat Sabra for their kind effort in collecting donations at the pharmacy.

• Ms Nicola Begg for her valued effort in completing the Edinburgh 10k Run in aid of MAIC.

• Darlington Rotary Club Young Citizen of the Year 2008 prize awarded to James Deane.

• Mr. Alan Farquhar for his valued effort in raising funds by completing the BUPA Great Edinburgh Run 2008.

• Gotham Erskine for kindly donating funds raised through a collection.

• Mr. James Walker for organising a concert in Seattle in aid of MAIC.

A write up by the members of East House at Bancroft's School

“Pupils of East House, Bancroft's School, Woodford Green, Essex chose MAIC as one of their nominated two charities for academic year 2007-2008. The students raised a magnificent sum of £2,350 for MAIC through two hugely successful and entertaining events: a “Las Vegas Charity Evening” and an Olympiad.

Recently Dr Maya Al-Memar of MAIC came to visit the school to receive the money raised and to talk to the children about the charity's work. She explained how this money would make a crucial difference to the lives of children whose world has been shattered by the devastating effect of war. She spoke movingly about how the money would help to save young lives and benefit the growing number of children disabled by the war in Iraq. Maya also exhorted the students to draw “strength and inspiration from the children of Iraq.”

Richard Channer, Housemaster of East House, congratulated the students on the fantastic effort they had all made. In particular, he commended the members of the Upper Sixth (year 13) for their organisation of these special events.”

East House of Bancroft's School. A big thank you to all the students from MAIC.

REFLECTIONS FROM SUPPORTERS AND RECIPIENTS

“MAIC aid is not just for children but for us also, not just medical but moral support, psychosocial support.”

“Really your donations were the best among the others as you put a great respect to the opinion of the recipient and sent the best quality for each item and before that the nice approach of you to deal with these issues.

May Allah protect you and keeps your dedicated work fruitful for the sake of poor people who are benefiting and really appreciating your work through appreciating ours. I can't say more but I think sometimes one word is enough; you did your best.”

Dr. Mazin Al-Jadiry, Oncologist at the Children's Welfare Teaching Hospital, Baghdad.

“I am very sorry to lose one of the great charity organizations which did great things to help Iraqi children.”

Dr. Jawad Al-Ali, Oncologist,
Basrah Teaching Hospital

“Many thanks we never, never, never forget everything you are doing to give life to my son. He has a happy life because of your kind help. We wish to help him and save his life until the situation be good in Iraq.”

Mr. Qasim Bashir,
Father of Marwan, a patient who receives a life saving nutritional supplement from MAIC regularly.

“I am sorry to hear that MAIC will close in 2009. It has certainly done a most useful job. Warmest thanks for all you have organised & achieved.”

Dr. Mercy Heatley, MAIC supporter

“My anti-war stance is based on the words attributed to Jesus in the New Testament of the Holy Bible, in which he tells his disciples (followers) to renounce violence in favour of non-violence, to love rather than hate, to do good rather than evil. Difficult as it is, I believe it's possible to take the words of Jesus seriously, only so will war cease. It is a privilege to work alongside people like yourself, dedicated to healing the victims of war. I believe God works through us. Muslim or Christian, we are bound together in love for one another, in care for one another. War is a denial of this.”

Reverend John Stephenson,
MAIC supporter and fundraiser

THE SAID FOUNDATIION DRAWING COMPETITION 2007

The Said Foundation (formerly the Karim Rida Said Foundation) holds annually a drawing competition for children from the organisations that they support in order to encourage and develop their creativity. In 2007 five young patients from the oncology department at the Children's Welfare Teaching Hospital were among the winners. Prize monies were sent to MAIC to buy the winners gifts which were sent to the hospital in February 2008 and distributed to the winners. We are most grateful to the Foundation for offering the patients a chance to express themselves through this fun and creative competition.

Hussain Ahamed Hanoon, a 10 year old patient at the Children's Welfare Teaching Hospital receiving
his prize for the KRSF Drawing Competition 2007, February 2008.

Zeinab Umran Essa, a seven year old patient at the Children's Welfare Teaching Hospital receiving
her prize for the KRSF Drawing Competition, February 2008

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Please note MAIC is winding up on 30th June 2009. Donations will be accepted until 31st March 2009.

MAIC MEMBERS

Board of Governors
Mrs Rula Al-Chorbachi
Mrs Mazin Al-Daftari - Trustee
Dr. Maya Al-Memar M.D.
Mr. Hani Dajani - Trustee
Mr. Hassan Haddad M.D.
Ms Maysa Ibrahim
Mrs Aboudi Kosta
Mrs Ali Khan
Mr. Robert Mabro CBE - Trustee
Mr. Sabah Mahmoud - Trustee
Mrs Charles Riachy - Trustee
Ms Danah Saadawi
Mrs David Sambar
Mrs Fatima Sheikh Khazaal - Trustee
Mr. Bassam Zaku
Mrs May Zaku

Honorary Members
Mrs Wajih Al-Kaylani
Mrs Mashal Al-Nawab
Lady Beaumont
Prince Sixte de Bourbon-Parme
Mrs H.R. Farman-Farmaian
Mrs Imad Habba
Mrs Abdullah Isamil
Mr. Bruce Mathalone M.D.
Mr. Abdul Karim Moudaris
Dr. Raghdah Shukri M.D.
Mrs Hassan Smadi
Reverend John Stephenson
Mrs Nezhat Tayeb
Mr. Graham Walker M.D.
Dr. Ihsan Al-Bahrani M.D.
Mr. Khalid Al-Obaydi M.D.
Dr. Hussain Malik M.D.

Medical Team in Iraq
Mr. Jawad Khadem Al-Ali M.D.
Dr. Adel Al-Rawi M.D.
Dr. Omar Al-Yaqubi M.D.
Dr. Mazin Al-Jadiry M.D.

Jordanian Liaison Committee
Dr. Zafer Al-Kayyali M.D.
Mrs Mounir Attalah
Dr. Salwan Baban M.D.
Dr. Junaid Mahmoud M.D.
Dr. Layla Sharaf
Mrs Hasan Shukri

Support Committee
Ms Maya Askari
Ms Sabia Mayassi
Ms Suha Najjar
Mrs Sara Tayeb Khalifa