The Miracle of Service

ARTICLES OF WISDOM In 1950, using donated funds, he bought a second-hand truck, converted it into a simple ambulance, and began serving the sick and injured. His work expanded. Today, he has a fleet of 245 ambulances. He provides free services to the poor and disabled, both within and outside Karachi. His welfare organization serves thousands of Pakistanis every day. In addition to ambulances, he runs maternity homes, blood banks, X-ray clinics, laboratories, nursing schools, orphanages, and homes for the disabled. He has also sent aid abroad—for example, $53,000 to Ethiopia, $66,000 to Palestine, $10,000 to Bangladesh, and help to other countries in need. He now plans to launch an air ambulance service and establish other major institutions, such as a modern hospital and even an animal hospital. His annual budget is about 100 million rupees, entirely raised through public donations. Once, former President Zia-ul-Haq sent him a check for 500,000 rupees. Edhi returned it, saying that this work was for the people and should be funded by the people. He lives very simply in a two-room flat. People trust him so deeply that they donate large sums without being asked. They say, “We are certain that any money given to him will be used properly.” In 1986, he received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service. Until then, Abdul Sattar Edhi had been known as a local figure. This award gave him international