The Greater Manchester business community is spearheading a massive campaign to get food and other essentials to the victims of the floods which have devastated Pakistan leaving millions homeless and without food.
It is hoped that the initiative, led by Pakistan International Airlines, Asian Sound Radio (ASR) and Shere Khan Group, will be replicated nationwide.
“This is a tragedy that transcends nationality or faith,” said Dr Nighat Awan OBE,  a CEO of the Manchester based Shere Khan Group and one of the co-organisers of the Shoebox Appeal.

The appeal takes its name from the fact that organisers are asking individuals to put their contributions into shoeboxes, no more that 20” x 15” x 15” in size. These can be left at shops throughout the North West, with new locations being added every day.
Awan says: “We are asking everyone who can make even the smallest contribution to help us. We have the backing of Pakistan International Airlines, the Red Cross and Human Appeal International, all of whom will ensure that whatever we collect here in the UK gets to the victims in Pakistan.
“We believe the Shoebox Food Flood Appeal can make a huge difference, really quickly.  Rather than giving money, the contents of these shoeboxes will be delivered straight to those who really need it – instantly providing much needed calories and nutrition.”
Shujat Ali, Group Chief Executive of Asian Sound Radio (ASR), said: “We are asking everyone, not just the Pakistani or Asian communities to help us. It is difficult for us, here in England, to imagine the horrors faced each day by the victims of the floods – many of those worse affected are children and the elderly. Already more than 20 million people have been affected and the worst is still to come. We have to act now and all do what we can to help.”