- 8 Green Forts One - 2Km, Raiwind Road. Lahore - Pakistan
- +92 300 829 3038
Discover our charitable initiatives and volunteer efforts.
From Friendship to Foundation
Uplifting Special Children Since 2016
OUR STORY
Founded in 2016 by a compassionate coalition of university friends, successful entrepreneurs, and senior managers in blue-chip companies, Caring for Cannots (C4C) emerged from a shared desire to make a meaningful impact on society, especially for those facing significant challenges—the “Cannots,” individuals who, for various reasons, are unable to help themselves.
Driven by a commitment to create positive change, our research led us to focus on the cause of Special Children. Global studies indicate that 13% to 22% of the world’s population grapples with some form of disability, and approximately 20% of them endure mental health issues. In Pakistan alone, this translates to at least 2.3 million Special Children up to 15 years of age, yet only around 8,000 are enrolled in schools, including government institutions.
In order to formalize our mission, “Caring for Cannots Foundation” was established as an NGO under the Societies Act.
During our exploration of various NGOs, Amin Maktab (AM) in Lahore stood out as a beacon of effective support for Special Children, boasting a rich history spanning six decades. AM’s array of services includes a specialized school and a robust Outreach Programme. This outreach initiative specifically targets Special Needs Children in low-income areas, offering assistance within the comfort of their homes and local communities.
+
Children Under Care
Lahore Wide Community Coverage
Faiza Ahmed
Chairperson
Meet Faiza, a dynamic homemaker with a passion for social work! Before joining Caring for Cannots, she made a significant impact with the Women’s Social Service Organisation, an NGO in Garden Town, Lahore. From running a school, clinic, and nursing home to organizing annual community weddings for the underprivileged, Faiza has been at the heart of it all.
But that’s not all! Faiza also plays a vital role in managing and administering her son’s restaurant in Lahore. When she’s not busy juggling her many responsibilities, she loves tending to her garden and spending quality time with her eight grandchildren.
Khalid Mir
President
Meet Khalid Mir, the powerhouse President of the Caring for Cannots Foundation! With an MBA from Quaid e Azam University and 35 years of experience in the corporate world, primarily with Engro, Khalid’s last role was as CEO of Agritech Limited. In 2016, he and his university friends founded the Caring for Cannots Foundation, driven by a shared passion to uplift those in need.
Khalid is also a certified Life Coach, dedicated to helping others, especially those who cannot help themselves. His commitment extends beyond the foundation; he serves on the board of Amin Maktab and has also been on the board of the Karachi Vocational Training Center. Khalid’s journey is all about making a difference and empowering lives!
Syed Imtiaz Bokhari
Vice President
Meet Syed Imtiaz Bokhari, a powerhouse in both banking and agriculture! With an MBA from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Imtiaz has spent 39 years in the banking sector, culminating in his role as Group Head of Retail Banking. Now, as a director at C4C, he continues to make waves. But that’s not all—Imtiaz is also passionately involved in citrus farming and agriculture at his ancestral farm, combining his financial acumen with a love for the land. His diverse expertise and dedication make him a true asset in every field he touches!
Afira Shazia
Secretary
Meet Afira Shazia, a beacon of compassion and community spirit! With a BA in Education from PECHS College Karachi, Shazia has always been passionate about supporting those in need. Her community work is nothing short of inspiring—she has organized funds for the weddings of orphaned girls and regularly distributes groceries to families in need.
Shazia has also mentored children through The Citizen Foundation’s Rahbar program, guiding and inspiring the next generation. Continuing the legacy of her late husband, Sulaiman Baqapuri, one of the founding members of C4C, Shazia is dedicated to making a lasting impact through her heartfelt efforts for these children.
Satwat Mahmood Butt
Treasurer
Meet Satwat Mahmood Butt, a dynamic force with an impressive track record! With an MBA from Quaid-E-Azam University, Islamabad, and from Michigan, USA, Satwat has spent the last 36 years in senior roles with American International Group (AIG) and top insurance companies in Pakistan.
But that’s not all—he also owns and runs a successful restaurant business. As a senior member of Rotary and a past Rotary Deputy Governor of District 3272-Pakistan, Satwat is currently the Chairman of the Rotary Pakistan Smart Village Program for Punjab and KPK. He’s also a past Chairman of the RCN-Insurance Association of Pakistan (IAP) and has led numerous committees within the organization.
His commitment to social work is unwavering, having served on the board of the HEAL organization and as Director of Administration for the Self Help Entrepreneurs (SHE organization). Since 2000, he has been the President of the Eden Avenue Friends Association (EAFA), continuously contributing to his community in countless ways.
Bushra Mir
Member
Meet Bushra, affectionately known as Bushi, a dynamic force in social work! A graduate of Lahore College and a dedicated homemaker, Bushi has spent the last decade transforming the lives of special children through vocational training programs.
She spearheaded the design and production of clothing for Jiddat, the brand of the Karachi Vocational Training Center exclusively for special children. Now, she holds a similar leadership position at Behbood NGO, working tirelessly for the underprivileged. Bushi is also passionate about developing homes for the elderly, showcasing her unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Imtiaz Bashir
Member
Meet Imtiaz Bashir, a seasoned banker with over 35 years of experience in the world of multinational banking. Having navigated the high-stakes corridors of finance, Imtiaz has now embarked on an exhilarating new journey. Post-retirement, he has channeled his expertise into managing his own dynamic business specializing in the renovation and maintenance of houses and offices. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for transforming spaces, Imtiaz continues to make a remarkable impact, now in the realm of home and office improvement
Empowering Special Children Partnering with Renowned NGOs, Zero Operational Costs
We operate only through old well known NGO’s like Amin Maktab and Fountain House. We sign MOU with these institutes whereby they provide us the necessary technical support for special children through there employees who are trained psychologists and/ or special educators.
We at C4C have NIL Operational expenses like rent , utilities and manpower. They are all managed by the Board Members.
For last at least four years we are registered with FBR and have been filing our tax returns every year.
Fountain House and Caring for Cannots Join Forces to Empower Special Needs Children in Lahore
At Caring for Cannots, students are surrounded by other bright peers with special needs, and quickly realize they are not alone; they are part of a strong community of active learners who are capable of amazing achievements.
We believe students who receive the appropriate help and support can develop the skills necessary to keep pace with traditional classroom settings. We aim to teach all of our students how to leverage their strengths in areas that may be difficult, and how to advocate for the tools that they need in order to succeed.
Between
C4C & FOUNTAIN HOUSE. Pakistan
Caring for Cannots Foundation (C4C) is dedicated to aiding those unable to assist themselves, particularly focusing on special needs children. In pursuit of this mission, C4C has entered into a partnership with Fountain House (FH), a venerable institution in Lahore committed to
addressing mental health challenges in society.
Fountain House, renowned for its six decades of service, also operates an Institute for Disadvantaged Children & (IDC) in Sanda, Lahore. Recognizing the importance of community-based approaches, C4C has engaged FH in discussions to implement home-based
rehabilitation for special needs children under a Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR)
program.
This collaborative effort entails identifying Community Resource Persons (CRPs) from densely populated, low-income areas surrounding Sanda. These CRPs will undergo comprehensive training at IDC under the guidance of experienced psychologists. Once trained, the CRPs will
identify special needs children within their communities and provide crucial support.
Initially, five CRPs have been selected and trained at IDC, with ongoing plans to expand their numbers based on demand. Additionally, should the need arise, C4C is prepared to establish dedicated centers in these communities.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing this partnership was formally executed on November 1, 2023 by Mrs Faiza Ahmed, Chairperson of C4C, and Dr. Syed Imran Murtaza. MS of Fountain House
+
Volunteer Hours Logged
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
+
Meals Distributed
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
+
Funds Raised
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
Joint Venture Of Fountain House & C4C
Our Community-Based Rehabilitation Project at the Institute for Special Children.
At the C4C for Special Children, we believe in unlocking the potential and abilities of intellectually impaired children through our Community-Based Rehabilitation Project. With the right support at the right time and approach, these children can lead independent lives to the best of their abilities.
It’s alarming to witness the significant number of such children within our communities. Yet, much of the existing work in disability support remains largely focused on special education, often neglecting infants, severely impaired individuals, and adolescents.
Here’s where we step in:
Extending Support Beyond School Age: Many children, due to the severity of their impairment, are unable to secure admission in special schools. This could be due to age limitations, costly treatments, limited capacity in special schools, or transportation challenges.
Raising Awareness: There's a pervasive lack of awareness among parents, professionals, and the wider community regarding disabilities and their management. Through our project, we aim to bridge this gap by providing education and resources to empower everyone involved in the care of these children
Together, let’s nurture a community where every child, regardless of their abilities, is embraced with love, support, and opportunities for growth.
Join Us & be a part of something meaningful.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.