Humanitarian, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, who founded the disaster response organisation, the Gift of the Givers Foundation, was recently honoured with the inaugural Peace Hero Award for his dedicated service to community work and helping those in need.
Dr Sooliman was bestowed the prestigious award by the Phoenix based non-profit organisation (NPO), the Giving Hope Foundation at a function held at the Riverside Hotel, in Durban, recently. The Giving Hope Foundation also auctioned two paintings by award-winning artist Nanda Sooben, in an effort to raise funds for the organisation’s community upliftment initiatives.
A humble Dr Sooliman said he was honoured to have received the inaugural award, which was handcrafted out of Tambuti wood by Rajiv Singh. He said that the accolade encouraged the organisation to continue serving communities in need and encouraged South Africans to not lose hope but to work together, in uplifting and serving each other.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Giving Hope Foundation for their efforts in working towards a unified South Africa. Roy Sukdhev, the co-founder of the newly formed Giving Hope Foundation, which was officially launched at the event, said the foundation was grateful to Dr Sooliman .
“The Giving Hope Foundation saw it fit to recognise Dr Sooliman for his noble humanitarian efforts for victims of pandemics and disasters such as the floods that hit KZN killing over 400 people. After approaching Dr Sooliman to assist in repairing damaged Phoenix schools due to heavy floods, he responded immediately to the plea and is currently assisting 10 schools,” said Sukdhev.
He added: “Several projects are in the pipeline to encourage peace education, promote and build social cohesion within communities. The Giving Hope Foundation was formed to encourage peace building and social cohesion in schools, communities and workplaces.”
