Interview by Amal Hanif and Nabiha Shafee – Students of Grade 8, Fajr Academy
Why did you choose this name for your organization?
As a mythological character, Robin Hood would steal from the rich and give to the poor. We live amidst stark inequalities where millions of people do not get basic necessities, so Robin Hood for us means redistributing food and smiles to those who need it most. Army basically refers to the people who come from different backgrounds, ages and religions towards one common purpose.
What is the vision of Robin Hood Army?
Robin Hood Army’s vision is to bring out the best of humanity using food as a medium in societies across the world, which suffer from hunger.
What challenges do you face while arranging food for the destitute?
Robin Hood Army is a zero-fund organization – all pickups are made by robins (volunteers) in their own cars and food is stored in their own homes. So at times storing the large amount of food we get becomes an issue, as we are growing and getting more restaurants on board. Though we try to distribute whatever we get on the same day, but late-night pickups from weddings cannot be distributed at 2 am and needs to be stored in freezers. Recently, we have made an RHA storage centre with two freezers to overcome storage issue.
Another challenge that we face is to find volunteers who can pick up surplus food from restaurants or banquet halls at late hours.
How many people are you able to feed in a day?
The surplus food collected daily from restaurants help serve approx. 150+ people every evening. Considering we all work or study, our main drives are held every Sunday, where we serve on average 800-1200 people on a weekly basis. So, our average is serving 2500+ people on a weekly basis.
Can you describe the feeling you get after helping somebody in need? Any special story you wish to share with Hiba readers?
Alhumdulillah, it really makes you feel humbled and grateful for the life we live. It is a pleasure to gain a smile from someone or be invited into their house just for merely providing a meal that is any human’s basic need.
One of my favorites is handing this little boy a cupcake, and his face illuminating with a smile and confusion, as to what we just gave him and how he tried to figure out how to eat it. Once he got the first bite of chocolate, he gave us the heartiest smile.
Another would be once giving food to a homeless family living on a footpath. As soon as I gave them the packet of food, he said he will not take it till I do not come and sit with them and join them. Imagine being so hospitable, while living in such poor conditions.
What reaction do you get from people whom you help?
We usually get blessings and good wishes. If we are at slums, we get invited into their houses and we get asked to eat the meal we just gave them with them, because they are just so happy and want to share their happiness.
In the slums where we visit, we have a special bond with the kids. As soon as they see our cars, they start jumping with joy, waving at us, knowing their friends have arrived with yummy treats and amazing games to play and interact with them.
Who has been your inspiration?
A huge inspiration for a lot of people has to be Abdul Sattar Edhi who gave without expecting anything back in return!
Where do you see your organization in the next five years?
We hope to expand into more cities of Pakistan. We will be starting our operations in Hyderabad next month, followed by Peshawar and Quetta later this year, Insha’Allah.
We also plan to start Robin Hood Academy in other cities of Pakistan. Robin Hood Academy is an education initiative to provide disenfranchised children with the academic tools to succeed.
The Robin Hood Academy primarily focuses on:
- empowering and enabling individuals to become positive change agents in society;
- developing a team of volunteers, who can act as mentors, playmates and friends for these less fortunate kids;
- volunteering as passionate individuals who care deeply for these students and ensure that no child is left behind;
- developing innovative teaching techniques, focusing on games and student-centred activities to make learning fun for young girls and boys.
How can someone become a part of your organization?
They can sign up on www.robinhoodarmy.com/join-now
Any message for the youth of this era?
These prime years of your lives are the best. Come help out people in need! I really feel it gives a good perspective on life and you become more aware of what is going on around you and what you can do as an individual to help others progress in their lives.
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