Small Kindness
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Iraq, June 2009
I am Maha, a mother of two lovely children. I married in April 2004 when I was living in Baghdad with my family but due to the onset of war my husband lost his employment. We struggled greatly as he was only able to find odd jobs with low income.
Whilst returning to Baghdad from a visit to my hometown of Diyala, we were ambushed by an armed group and my husband was kidnapped. The very next day, I received a phone call telling me he had been killed. Until now, I do not know where he is buried.
Our financial situation has deteriorated to the extent that we are living off the charity of my in-laws and my own parents, constantly moving between the two households. Because of his low income, my deceased husband left no money behind, no pension, no housing. For a long time I was unable to claim financial assistance as the State did not accept my status as a widow (my husband’s body was never recovered and I was unable to obtain a death certificate).
I have received aid from Small Kindness to help me through these very harsh times. I appeal to you to carry on supporting their work with donations so that they can help families like my own.
Peace be with you.
Maha
Baghdad, Iraq 
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About Small Kindness
Founded in 2000, Small Kindness was one of the first charities to offer practical support to the many thousands of refugees left destitute by the war in the Balkans.
Today Small Kindness is a UN affiliated NGO with field offices across the globe, and is actively assisting in some of the largest humanitarian crises facing the world today. These include the aftermath of the Asian tsunami of 2004, the Kashmir earthquake of 2005 and the current conflict in Iraq. In tandem with emergency relief work, the charity devotes much of its resources to sustainable development projects, educational initiatives, and orphan/family sponsorship.
By visiting the Small Kindness website you can find out more about our ongoing programmes, and read moving stories from some of those who have benefited directly from the charity’s work – made possible through the generosity of donors and supporters.