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Finally, a Wall to Unite People, Not Divide Them

Written bySheema Khan
Written bySana Saleem

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Read this post in Français, اردو, Español, Malagasy, नेपाली, বাংলা, čeština , Ελληνικά
Posted 13 February 2016 6:26 GMT
Wall of kindness in Peshawar. Photo by: Serve Mankind Facebook Page

Wall of Kindness in Peshawar. Photo: Serve Mankind Facebook page

Throughout history, walls have been a symbol of separation, segregation, and division. However, a new phenomenon called “walls of kindness” (Deewar-e-Meherbani) is doing just the opposite. Faced by cold weather, Iranians began outdoor charity drives for the homeless and needy by building “walls of kindness.” The walls feature clothing hooks beside the phrase, “Take one if you need it. Give one if you don't.” Iran's campaign to clothe the poor has developed into an international onslaught of donations, coats, hats, trousers, and warm apparel.

What started in Mashhad, Iran, has now spread to China and Pakistan. Here are some of the heartwarming images and stories of “walls of kindness” across countries

Iran: Where it all began

It all started with a bit of snow in Mashhad:

While it makes for scenic photos, winter is specially harsh for those without shelter. Slowly, the hashtag دیوارمهربانی# (wall of kindness) started filling up with photos, as citizens took up helping the needy:

Wall of Kindness #Kerman located on Khajoo street, before the intersection on Khajoo, on the left #yalda in #Kerman

#wallofkindness

Wall of kindness in Shahsavar, next to the mosque neighborhood of Shahsavar

Next up: China

It didn't take long before pictures of “walls of kindness” in China started popping up on social media. The Chinese reports suggest the clothes are for “people in need”:

Pakistan joined in

Ismat Ali and Maria Waqas, teachers at Bahria College in Karachi, announced plans to set up their own wall of kindness:

So, my dear friends and family…I come to you again. This time in collaboration with my senior, Ma'am Ismat Ali. We are starting a wall of kindness in karachi. Area will be mentioned later. Please donate generously your clothing or shoes that are just sitting in your cupboards and can help the needful. Truly grateful. Let's begin 2016 with a new heart!!
Posted by Mariya Waqas on Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Wall of Kindness in Karachi. Photo Courtesy: Wall of Kindness Facebook Page

Wall of Kindness in Karachi. Photo courtesy of the Wall of Kindness Pakistan Facebook page.

Citizens in Peshawar and Lahore have also created walls of kindness in their cities, too. In Peshawar, a group of people from the NGO Serve Mankind wrote:

As for Lahore, people took to Twitter to spread the word.

That's not all, folks

Iranians are giving away food, too. Here's a bakery that's giving away bread to the homeless and hungry. The box reads, “Bread is free for those who can’t pay.”

The wall of kindness has arrived at the bakery of kindness.

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Written bySheema Khan
Written bySana Saleem

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