Red Source: Meet the Founder
Mark Forrester is a logistics expert with more than 20 years of experience in supply-chain. Originally from the United Kingdom, he has called the United Arab Emirates home for almost 20 years.
“My early career in construction and civil engineering enabled me to travel and to see a lot of the world,” says Mark. “It opened my eyes to everyday harsh realities that many of the more fortunate amongst us are unaware of. I became convinced that I wanted to use my skills to help others in less fortunate societies.”
When his construction supply business was asked to provide equipment to humanitarian aid camps, he steered its direction towards this new area and became a trusted supplier for NGOs and aid entities working across Africa.
Crucial aid must reach those who need it, quickly, in accordance with international quality standards, in a safe, secure and cost-effective manner with completely transparent accounting ” says Forrester.
“My business was initially focused on camp and furniture supplies and furniture. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, I was asked to supply emergency medical PPE to various governments and health care entities around the world. We were inundated with requests for medical PPE – masks, gloves and so forth.”
When Afghanistan’s new government came to power in August 2021 and the international community pulled out, Mark was approached to see if he could step in and fill the void.
“I was made aware of the enormous humanitarian need in Afghanistan, and having worked in this field, knew that we were geared up to do what is so desperately needed in that country. We made crucial strategic connections with leading security experts and high-level negotiators who have an established a network of contacts in Afghanistan. Our proven expertise, reputation and track record allowed us to build the network. We are proud to be one of the first organisations to have the permission of the new government to operate throughout Afghanistan as of September 2021.”
With its network of local contractors and full clearance to operate, Red Source then joined hands with a leading NGO, whose funds were used to fulfill crucial humanitarian deliveries.
Now, with winter underway, more funds are required right now. Red Source needs donor funds to continue its vital work.
“We are speaking to global aid organisations, private donors and NGOs to get the message out that Red Source is a trusted, fully operational company able to fulfill humanitarian work inside Afghanistan. We do this transparently, to the highest international standards and with the utmost reliability and quality,” adds Mark. “The next urgent step is to ensure funds reach us before the country and its population succumb to the cold winter, the effects of drought, uncertain security and the impact of Covid 19. A humanitarian catastrophe is looming in Afghanistan and aid is desperately and urgently needed. ”
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