This time it’s also for a visit to Pakistan. And unfortunately it’s also for another natural disaster. Angelina Jolie who is a Good Will Ambassador for the UN Commission for Refugees visited Pakistan and spoke to the people who had been affected by flooding. Around 21 Million people have lost their homes and livelihoods in Pakistan as a result of floods that swept through there this past July.

While a lot of people fear that due to corruption, their aid wouldn’t reach their intended recipients, Ms. Jolie said “I don’t want some people to use it (corruption) as an excuse not to give assistance. I have seen what they have done in the field. I’ve physically seen people assisted, so if you are nervous about giving money directly in one way there are other ways to do it.”

The reality is that although flooding took place months ago, many of the people who have been displaced will never regain their homes or their financial status. This Eid especially as you spend the day eating with loved ones, think of those who are going hungry because their live stock got carried away by floods, or because they’re living at the mercy of others. Waiting for donations or waiting for rations.

While talking to reporters at the UN Refugee Agencies Islamabad headquarters Ms. Jolie said “They have been hit and lost so much that they kind of feel that they need to go with God and hope that something, anything, is going to make the situation better,” she said. Lets become part of the something and anything that helps make their situation better.

Let us help them get back on their feet, help them feed their children, and help them out of their despair. Although most people can’t afford Ms. Jolie’s generous contribution of $100,000.00, any amount helps. The UN estimates that Pakistan needs around $460 million to help the 21 million affected by floods. So far they’ve raised only two thirds of that amount and as the days turned into weeks and months, people have forgotten and moved on with their lives.

Don’t forget our brothers and sisters in Pakistan. Remember Rasulullah SAW said “The believers, in their love, mutual kindness, and close ties, are like one body; when any part complains, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever.”

You can send donations through any number of charities, but here is one that has a track record of doing good work on the ground: Human Relief Foundation They work in partnership with a lot of established aid organizations like the UN and IFRC, but perhaps best of all is that they have offices in Pakistan in addition to other parts of the world. So you know that they’re on the ground and aware of what’s happening on a daily basis.

Islamic Relief is also another well known, well established aid agency. Look around online there are tonnes of relief agencies out there. Find one that you’re comfortable with especially one with offices on the ground. That being said, while money goes a long way, prayers help too.

Check out Angelina Jolie’s video appeal for Pakistan on YouTube and start thinking of ways you can help. Organize a bake sale, a relay, or an auction, get creative, there are many different ways in which you can help.