SPELLBINDING

 A New Chapter for C4C at Begumpura

The inauguration of C4C’s new center in Begumpura was a celebration of growth, inclusion, and hope.  With his signature poetic flair, Mr. Satwat Butt led the proceedings with grace and passion as he continued to elaborate on initiatives brought to life by the trust’s president and the board of directors.

C4C President, Mr. Khalid Mir, reflected on the foundation’s remarkable evolution - from its modest beginnings to witnessing enrollments rise from 10 to 84 across four C4C centers, including 34 at the flagship Begumpura center, with 10 more awaiting enrolment - a milestone that underscored the need for a new, vibrant space. As of February 2025, C4C has 290 children under its umbrella.  About 90 children at our four centers at Lahore and 200 children supervised at home through CRP's.​​​​​​​​​​

Established as an NGO in September 2016, C4C has maintained a steadfast commitment to transparency and integrity. For the past five years, the foundation has diligently filed tax returns, with its accounts audited by Ahsan & Ahsan, Chartered Accountants. Currently, C4C is in the process of registering with the Punjab Charity Commission and plans to register with the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP) in 2025. Notably, C4C operates with zero operational expenses - all activities are managed by its dedicated members, while accounting and legal matters are handled pro bono by its supporters (Friends of C4C). Every donation is exclusively allocated to uplifting the lives of special children.

The event honored mentors from Amin Maktab and featured an inspiring address by Chairperson Dr. Tasneem Raza, who shared her journey with the specially-abled children. She expressed her heartfelt appreciation for C4C’s collaboration, which set the tone for the afternoon.

In a touching tribute, the center was dedicated to late Mr. Muhammad Suleiman, founding member and a passionate donor whose legacy endures. His wife, Mrs. Shazia Suleiman, in her moving address, shared how pure intentions make the journey easier and more gratifying as she witnessed Suleiman’s dream come to life in an inspiringly short span, with his family stepping in to carry his legacy forward.

Steered by the passionate leadership of President Khalid Mir, whose enthusiasm has long underpinned the foundation’s endeavors, the gathering featured a stirring address by Dr. Izharul Haq Hashmi, MD Punjab Welfare Trust for Disabled. He recounted how a small, transformative opportunity propelled him to pursue his true calling in social welfare.

An endearing mime performance by the center’s talented children, introduced and supported by Ms. Tayyaba, captivated the audience, leaving them both in awe and tears. Among the performers, Suneha - a former student and Special Olympics participant - credited the center for playing a pivotal role in turning her dream into reality, while another promising participant was honored with a sports kit and racket to help him actualize his desire to excel in sports. Ms. Rubab, Regional Manager Special Olympics, expressed gratitude for the steadfast support she receives in her role as a coach, emphasizing that the success of these endeavors is truly a collective effort.

Ms. Tayyaba, a representative from Amin Maktab, highlighted the profound impact that even small changes can have on the lives of differently-abled children and their families, noting that initial hesitations are steadily overcome as the children take confident steps forward. With enrollment on an upward trend and lives visibly transformed, the new center stands as a glimmer of hope and progress.

As the proceedings came to a close, Chairperson Ms. Faiza Mumtaz expressed deep gratitude to friends, donors, guests, and the entire C4C team for making the inauguration an unforgettable celebration, while Mr. Satwat Butt concluded with a heartfelt prayer and a call for pledge to celebrate these children’s beautiful dreams together!

A ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Dr. Tasneem was followed by a tour of the center, leaving attendees with cherished memories of smiling faces, inspiring crafts, and a renewed commitment to nurturing the beautiful dreams of these extraordinary children.