A big-hearted Stirling businessman is using his charity to help organise collections of vital equipment and supplies for those on the frontline tackling Covid-19.

Zahir Haider, who is a director at the Computer Division shop in Upper Craigs, has also been behind the Stirling Aid charity since its inception in 2009 and has been involved in projects across the world including in Pakistan and Gaza.

But his latest venture is assisting those a little closer to home - providing PPE equipment for NHS and care staff.

The charity is also running a daily donation point at the Central Scotland Islamic Centre in the city, with people urged to drop off food, toiletries and other essential items which will then be distributed to the local Salvation Army branch.

Zahir, 52, says his desire to get involved stems from the experiences of a family member who fell ill from the virus after a carer did not have adequate PPE.

He told the Observer: “We’re a very basic charity, but we try to jump into the fray when we can and we’ve previously helped out in supporting Kashmir after a bad period of flooding by sending over a plane worth of goods.

“But charity very much begins at home for me and so we’re running these two initiatives to help with coronavirus.

“I thought that the situation with PPE was shocking and that we had to do something about it, because if carers fall ill due to a lack of protection, then the people they look after will be in trouble as well.’’

Zahir shows off one of the face shields which will soon be winging its way to a local worker in need

The charity’s small bunch of volunteers have already been hard at work over recent weeks preparing for the big collection effort - and Zahir has even roped in his own family to help out.

He added: “It’s been about three weeks in terms of planning exactly what we were going to do. We’ve got the tables set up in the centre to process everything and make sure it goes to everyone who needs it.

“My daughter, who works as a radiographer, is also involved in making sure that everything is hunky dory in terms of what we’re sending out.

“We’re mainly asking for donations from anyone who can help out with cash to buy masks and PPE and we may also need a driver or two to go out to places, but I’m lucky to have a strong network of friends and family.”

Anyone who is interested in helping out Zahir’s appeal can either drop items off at the Islamic Centre between 2.30pm and 4.30pm or by getting in touch with the charity at their Stiring Aid Facebook page or on info@stirlingaid.org.

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