BOXING Day marked the 11th anniversary of the Tsunami which killed more than 200,000 people and left more than one million homeless.

Fourteen countries were devastated by the 9.2 magnitude quake which hit the Western Coast of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia and the impact of this natural disaster was felt around the world.

People watched in disbelief at the carnage the quake had caused and while many felt helpless others reacted by rallying round and making the journey to ensure aid and supplies were put on the ground for those who were literally left with nothing.

Among those prompted to do something was local businessman, Zulfi Hussain. He set up Bradford-based charity, Global Promise, was set up in response to the Boxing Day Tsunami and was determined to give more than money. "The idea I came up with was an extensive network of friends and influential people with different types of expertise," Zulfi told the T&A at the time.

Through his friends and acquaintances, and with the support of charities such as Islamic Relief, he was able to prioritise lists of needs for items such as medicine and equipment and set up a website with a Just Giving link to assist in raising money for the tsunami survivors.

Within eight weeks the charity, in collaboration with other organisations, had raised a staggering £2m in cash and goods.

Global Promise co-ordinated a similarly swift response following the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, raising £500,000, and the charity mobilised once again to support victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Now Zulfi, who received the MBE in 2009 for his services to business and charity, is using the expertise he and his fellow volunteers have honed over the years responding to international disasters to help the victims of Storm Desmond.

Zulfi recalls learning of the flooding - caused by record levels of rainfall during the first weekend in December which devastated communities in Cumbria - after returning from a trip visiting family in Pakistan, where he took on two major projects - creating a road linking two villages and repairing a dilapidated well.

"It was unbelievable the amount of damage and chaos that had been caused," says Zulfi.

Drawing on his international experience through Global Promise, Zulfi is now putting this expertise into practice closer to home.

"Our approach has always been rather than thinking we know what people need is asking the question what do you need?"

Trawling social media and liaising with volunteers and organisations involved in the clean-up operation, Zulfi launched an appeal, offering the Pavilion Cafe in Bradford's City Park which he runs with his sister, as a collection point for equipment and supplies.

Working alongside fellow volunteer Abdul Quddus, who he linked up with after reading Abdul's appeal for equipment and helpers on social media, Zulfi is appealing for priority items that are in demand such as toys for the children, dehumidifyers, cleaning equipment, bottled water, crisps and sweets.

He explains how many families, particularly those who are dealing with insurance issues, also need financial support.

"Obviously because a lot of families will have done their shopping and may not be able to afford to replace presents we want to make sure every child has something and can enjoy their Christmas," says Zulfi.

On Sunday Abdul delivered the first batch of aid, gathered through his social media appeal, to the designated drop-off point in Carlisle.

"It was my wife, Fiaz, she came up with the idea. We do quite a lot for charitable causes," says Abdul.

He recalls his thoughts and feelings witnessing the devastation first-hand. "To be honest it was heart breaking because we drove through streets where in front of every household, instead of a car parked there, there was furniture, carpets, TVs, washing machines, piled up - all damaged goods. That is when it hit home because you don't see that on TV and you think 'that could be my house.'"

Now Zulfi and Abdul are hoping local people will get behind them and respond to their latest appeal to ensure they can meet the demand for the things in need.

"They are our neighbours and charity begins at home." adds Abdul.

For more information or to help call 07717 822150 or, through social media, follow @pavilioncafebd on Twitter or zulfihussain on Facebook or Twitter.