Fundraising page set up for family of Christchurch victim Areeb Ahmed
The New Zealand branch of PwC has established a fundraising page for the family of Areeb Ahmed, a former employee who was killed during the tragic events in Christchurch.
PwC in New Zealand has set up a fundraising page for the family of Pakistan-born employee Areeb Ahmed, who perished along with 49 others during the racially-motivated attacks on two mosques in Christchurch earlier this month. To date, the fundraiser has raised a total of NZ$113,000 from more than 920 donations. One contributor noted that Ahmed was the only source of income for his family in Karachi.
“It is with much sadness that PwC has learned, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan, of the passing of colleague and friend Areeb Ahmed, as a result of the tragic events in Christchurch on Friday 15 March 2019,” the professional services firm said in an earlier public statement. A chartered accountant, Ahmed joined PwC last year as a senior associate in the firm’s local Assurance practice.
“We are devastated by these tragic events and the loss of one of our colleagues. There are really no words. Areeb was a much loved member of our team and it seems so unfair that his life has been cut short in such awful circumstances, said Mark Averill, CEO at PwC New Zealand, with the firm adding in a statement that Ahmed’s “smile, warmth, dedication, respect and humour will be deeply missed.”
Averill continued; “Like many, we’re finding it so hard to believe that this has happened in New Zealand and in Christchurch. Let’s hope that we can restore and retain the safe environment that we all value so highly here in New Zealand.” The statement finished, “PwC’s thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Muslim community and their families, and all people affected by this terrible event.”
One of nine Pakistanis killed during the terror-spree, Ahmed’s body has now been returned to his home-city of Karachi and received by his father Syed Ejaz Ahmed and grieving relatives, having since been laid to rest. According to reports, Ahmed had only moved to New Zealand in the past 18 months, in an effort to support his family, and had just entered the mosque immediately prior to the outbreak of shooting.
“Areeb was a true gentleman in every respect. You taught us all something. We miss you mate but we will never forget you,” wrote one colleague and donor to the fundraising page, which is being hosted on the local non-for-profit platform Givealittle. With an open goal, donations to Ahmed’s family of any amount can still be made on the page found here.
