After her sister died in a tragic car accident a few years ago, Rushana Ahmed has organised fundraising events in honour of her little sister’s memory.
This will be the second event in Raeesa’s honour, and Rushana and the rest of the Ahmed family is planning on making it an annual event, to help others in need.
At just 19-years-old, Raeesa was involved in a head-on collision in Gqeberha, in 2021. She and two of her three passengers died in the crash.
The driver of the other vehicle also died – with only one passenger surviving.
This year, Raeesa would have turned 22, and as a result her family is hoping to raise R22 000 at this year’s event.
All proceeds will go to the Algoa Frail Care Centre.
“For people who might be wondering why we chose this specific beneficiary, it is because a lot of our family members and Raeesa’s close friends who became health care professionals did their hours there; plus it is the only frail care centre in the Eastern Cape for children, with 180 patients/residents,” Rushana explained.
Last year’s event was a success, while the goal was to raise R21 000, over R25 000 was raised for the struggling Gelvan Park Frail Aged Home.
This year’s “Charitea” promises to be even better.
“We’re calling it a ‘charitea’ because it will take the form of a tea party for ladies only. Tickets will cost each lady R200, but more donations are welcome. It will be held at The Barn, so we need donations to take care of the venue, beverages and prizes for the attendees.
The event will happen on June 9, because my sister would have celebrated her twenty-second birthday in June this year,” Rushana shared.
For Rushana, her sister’s tragic death still feels as though it happened yesterday.
“We were the very best of friends; we talked all the time. She had a wicked sense of humour and a very bubbly personality. I admired her social skills, and just the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Anyone who knew Raeesa will tell you how radiant and genuine her smile was, all the time.
With these annual charity events in her honour, I hope people remember her humanity, humility, and kindness. I know she would have loved the work that so many people are coming together to do for the good of others,” Rushana said, emotionally.
Losing her sister and best friend is a pain that will never go away for Rushana, but she said that remembering her by doing what she would have done for others gives her great comfort.
The Ahmed family wish their daughter and sister were still alive, but are taking her loss day-by-day, and refuse to let all her good deeds and kind gestures for others die.
“I also have a 10-year-old daughter, and I want to be strong for her, and teach her that there is strength in vulnerability, andthe importance of always lending a helping hand for the less fortunate,” the mother-of-one concluded.
For more information, contact Rushana via WhatsApp on 068 317 3576
