The Edhi Foundation was founded by Abdul Sattar Edhi in 1951, he served as the head of the organization until he passed away on 8th July, 2016. It is the largest charitable organization in Pakistan. It is run with the help of volunteers, there are six thousand volunteers.
Edhi was always committed to help the poor and the needy. He started the Edhi Foundation from a small room which has now turned into a network spread to every nook and corner of Pakistan. Edhi was aided by his wife Bilquees Edhi and children.
The Edhi foundation runs eight hospitals which provide free medical care. It provides emergency assistance and free medical aid to accident and calamity victims. Edhi also has the largest ambulance service in the world. Where ever there is trouble, the Edhi workers reach the spot. Edhi foundation also runs air ambulance service to provide immediate relief to far flung areas.
Edhi foundation also buries unclaimed bodies and gives shelter to abandoned babies and destitute and abused women. There are 18 homes set up by Edhi Foundation all over Pakistan for kids and elderly. A mental asylum and old people’s home are looked after by the foundation as well. Annually, Edhi Foundation is giving over 250 kids for adoption. Over 23,320 babies have been provided to childless couples.
An interesting thing to note is that the foundation does not take any grant or aid from the government. It is run wholly and solely on people’s generosity. Due to his lifelong service of his human fellows, Edhi was respected like none other in Pakistan.
Even though the main focus of the organization is in Pakistan, it also has services throughout South Asia, Middle East and Africa. Currently, Edhi Foundation has offices in US, UK, UAE, Canada, Australia, Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Japan.
