The Kahrizak Benevolent Nursing Home was established about 30 years ago by the late Dr.

Mohammadreza Hakim-Zadeh in the Kahrizak District of Shahr-e Ray.

By the efforts of this great man and his colleagues, it is one of the largest and best rest homes in the Middle East. It is managed through people's donations -- financial and non-financial.

Loving People and Working for the Sake of Allah There is an interesting story behind the establishment of Kahrizak Nursing Home, showing one man's deep love of the needy, without any expectations.

Dr. Hakim-Zadeh was a very kind and patient person, always striving to be a close friend of the members of his staff. His only goal was serving the people.

He always sacrificed fame for humanitarian love, and taught it to others, too, and was not distracted by any mundane affairs.

He began building the nursing home in the late 1960s on a donated property with the least facilities and help. He worked very hard to complete the nursing home as soon as possible. He never felt tired, despite being 70 years old.

Later, many people, Iranians and foreigners, visited and expressed their kindness by making financial and non-financial donations. Some of them still visit Kahrizak Nursing Home and its residents. (God bless them.) Nader Moradi, the financial affairs director of the Kahrizak Benevolent Nursing Home told the TEHRAN TIMES that Dr. Hakim-Zadeh opened the rest home with six elderly patients.

He said, "We remember him as a unique person, beginning such a serious task with empty hands.

"The center, which began its activities in a small space by accepting a few patients, is now regarded as a unique center in the Middle East due to its land area and unique personnel and services. "Many handicapped people got married with the center's assistance. The center also provided a small house for their matrimonial life. We thank Allah and those who help us, wishing them all the best."

The nursing home became the focus of worldwide attention after its land area was expanded to 400,000 square meters and the building expanded to an area of 100,000 square meters with a capacity of 1600 residents.

Most of the residents of the nursing home are from the underprivileged class.

Only about 20 percent of the funds, needed to manage the rest home is provided by governmental organizations, the rest is provided by public donations.

Moradi added, "Some benevolent Iranian expatriates have also actively participated in this righteous task. Those not intending to return to the country can call the financial affairs office of the nursing home to donate land and property to the center. The measures necessary to get power of attorney will be taken after it is determined there are no legal obstacles.

"The Benevolent Women's Group is another group which has participated. "Now there are 900 staff members working at the nursing home round-the-clock in three shifts."

Moradi said that benevolent individuals, the most active being the Benevolent Women's Group, work there voluntarily one day a week -- from Saturday to Thursday. He added that they do their best to make the residents happy, only for the sake of God.

Benevolent people can make donations to the Kahrizak Nursing Home in the following ways: A) By delivering donations to the following special offices established in Tehran: * The Central Office, Haft-e-Tir Square, North Shahid Mofatteh Street, at the beginning of Shahid Malayeri-Pour Street, number 106, Tel. Number 8848189 - 8826092.

* The Financial Affairs Office, Tel. Number 8826707 - 8827734.

* The Number One Agency, Vali-e-Asr Avenue near Tajrish, Shemiran Bagh-e-Ferdos, Setareh Alley, number 1, Tel. Number 2711442 - 2570475.

* The Benevolent Women's Group, Tel. Number 2712006.

B) By donating directly to the rest home itself.

C) By depositing donations into the following accounts: * Current account number 700, Bank Saderat Iran, Shahr-e Ray, Bager Shahr Branch, branch code 1248 * Current account number 42215, Bank Melli Iran, Ostad Nejatollahi Branch, branch code 452.