KABUL, Afghanistan – Troops deployed to International Security Assistance Force Regional Command South visited the Shahid Abdul Ahad Karzai Orphanage Center on March 12 to donate money raised through various fundraising events by personnel working at RC South Headquarters.
"We wanted to raise money for local charities, especially those that are dedicated to looking after children and to helping their communities," said British Maj. Adrian Oldfield.
The first charity was the Khandahar City based Waden Drug Addiction Treatment Center, which is dedicated to helping people of all ages overcome heroin addiction. The second charity to receive funds was the orphanage. A total of $1,100 was raised for the orphanage (approximately 58,000 Afghani). While visiting the orphanage, ISAF personnel also distributed school supplies, clothing and soft toys to the children.
Principal Mohammad Zai welcomed ISAF personnel as they arrived at the orphanage. According to Oldfield, the visit "went really well and the children seemed happy with the gift."
"We don't have much to give to the children and rely on donations like this," Zai said. "Myself and the children hope that more donations from ISAF will come again in the future.