NANJING: A winter relief initiative led by a Pakistani PhD student in China has brought together volunteers from several countries to support families living in remote mountain regions facing harsh seasonal conditions.
According to Gwadar Pro, the campaign began on November 11 with the dispatch of 49 boxes of winter essentials, marking another milestone for From Compassion to Action (FCTA), a volunteer group founded by Ali Qadir, who first arrived in China eleven years ago as an undergraduate student.
FCTA has grown from Ali Qadir’s personal experience of adapting to a new country into a platform that draws students from Pakistan, China, Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Kenya, Morocco, Sri Lanka and Ethiopia. Around 60 volunteers participated in the latest effort.
The donated items are processed through local partner organisations, which clean, sort and package them before delivery to regions struggling with severe winter weather.
Ali Qadir’s trajectory, from a 20-year-old student navigating a new culture to a community organiser, is reflected in the group’s accomplishments. He has earned awards at international Model UN conferences, volunteered at major sporting events and received top scholarships for three consecutive years.
FCTA’s work has been formally acknowledged as well. In 2017 and 2019, the group received the Wutong Award from the Nanjing Public Diplomacy Association for its role in promoting international friendship and cooperation.
The organisation has so far undertaken more than 250 volunteer activities across over 20 public service projects. Through a mix of Chinese and international volunteers, it continues to provide practical assistance to vulnerable communities while fostering cultural understanding and grassroots links between China and the wider world.
