Stand-up comics play charity gig in Hamilton

Jul 16 2009 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON Town House will play host to a top comedy and auction night next week.

The Well Foundation charity will stage the evening, which will feature two of Britain’s top Asian comedians, Jeff Mirza and Shazia Mirza.

Shazia Mirza is an award-winning British Asian stand-up comedian from Birmingham.

She works all over the world and has toured the USA, Sweden, Denmark, France Holland and Germany.

Jeff Mirza, who is not related to Shazia, is also an award-winning comedian, who has performed at festivals and stand-up comedy clubs around the country.

The Well Foundation, founded by a group of friends, raise money to build wells, install hand pumps and establish health and sanitation programmes, providing accessible clean water to the stricken regions of the world.

The main objectives of the charity have been chosen through an understanding that water is a valued commodity which is sadly lacking in countries throughout the world.

Sohail Ashraf, a member of the Well Foundation, said: "As the charity is in its infancy, we have aimed predominantly at getting established and focusing on gaining and completing water related projects.

“As we continue to grow, we hope we can initiate projects and further events which will not only benefit those in stricken regions but also our own immediate and extended integrating communities."

A current project which is being implemented by the Well Foundation is fund-raising in order to build much-needed wells in Malawi.

A total of £20,000 is needed for the construction and just under £6000 has so far been raised.

The Well Foundation rely on donations from the public and actively encourage people to support this cause.

The charity evening will take place on Tuesday, July 21 with doors opening at 6.30pm. Tickets are priced at £12.