CLAAS distributed hundreds of Christmas gifts among Christian children and poor and needy families working on the brick kilns in Raiwind and around Kot Radha Kishan (where Christian couple Shama and Shahzad were burnt alive after being falsely accused of blasphemy). These Christmas gift hampers consisted of nine items including sweets, dry fruits, and chocolates etc for children aged 3-12, and food items for the families.

CLAAS’s team went to Haji Akram Brick Kiln Company where 35 Christian families work with children as young as five. Before the distribution started an eight-year-old a young Christian girl, Kiran said a prayer and welcomed CLAAS.

CLAAS also visited Union Brick Company where around 250 Christian families are working in brick kilns.

Finally CLAAS visited Ismael Brick Kiln Company, near Kot Radha Kishan brick kiln where Shama and Shahzad were burnt alive.

According to Mr Francis the Director of CLAAS-PK the children and their families were very excited to see them, and very thankful for the gifts as they hardly receive presents from anybody.

CLAAS has been distributing Christmas gifts to Christian children and poor families every year since 2005. Christians working on the brick kilns are very poor as they face generations-old debts, and most of their money goes into paying these off. Therefore they are never able to earn enough money for themselves and for their children. They are not able to buy gifts, even at Christmas, or cook good food. Therefore CLAAS tries to reach as many Christians as possible at Christmas, to bring smiles to their faces so that Christmas can be as special day in their lives.

CLAAS would like to thank to all of our supporters, especially those who responded to our Christmas appeal to enable us to reach to Christian children and poor families so they could have a joyful Christmas.