THE CHARITY Islamic Relief held a series of events throughout the UK to mark the start of the holy month of Ramadan. The events highlighted the charity’s work over the last 33 years.
The main event took place at the Science Museum in London – preceded by satellite events in Cardiff and Glasgow. The regional events brought together special guests from all faith communities as well as respected community activists. Speakers highlighted the important message of Ramadan, urging the community to recognise their privileged lives and to donate to charity to help the less fotunate.
At the Glasgow Science Centre, guests heard Muzoon Almellehan, Malala Fund Ambassador and International Children’s Peace Prize nominee, speak about refugees and the importance of educating girls. Two local politicians also spoke: Anas Sarwar, a Labour Member of the Scottish Parliament, and Alison Thewliss, Scottish National Party MP for Glasgow Central.
The Cardiff event, held in the Mansion House, welcomed speakers Saleem Kidwai OBE, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Wales; Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council; the Former Lord Mayor, Councillor Monica Walsh; Councillor David Walker; and Councillor Ali Ahmed.
Councillor Monica Walsh, said: “Cardiff has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and as Lord Mayor I am very pleased to attend Islamic Relief UK’s event to welcome the holy month of Ramadan and to celebrate the charity’s work. I would like to thank everyone involved for their continued hard work and to those who contribute to and support the charity.”
Islamic Relief works across the world, making particularly significant contributions in Ethiopia, Gaza, Sudan, Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Haiti and Nepal. The charity estimates its work has saved or changed the lives of over 100 million people affected by environmental and man-made crises across the world.
The venues chosen for the pre-Ramadan events highlighted Islamic Relief’s commitment to use science to find sustainable solutions to problems such as global poverty – such as water harvesting and solar power.
Imran Madden, UK Director of Islamic Relief, stressed that although the charity is on the scene as soon as a disaster or emergency happens, it doesn’t abandon people when the immediate emergency is over but carries on supporting the community.
“After we respond to a crisis, our dust-covered aid workers risk their lives daily to reach people that many other aid agencies cannot get to. However, once the emergency relief work is done, we don’t disappear. We stick around and help build lives and communities and societies through long-term sustainability projects so that the next time disaster strikes, local people can respond better and faster,” he said.
•Islamic Relief has set itself a target of raising over £100 million this Ramadan. To find out more about the charity and/or to donate, go to: http://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/ https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/donation/
•Read more about it: Charity Award nomination for Islamic Relief http://eastlondonnews.co.uk/charity-award-nomination-for-islamic-relief/ Islamic Relief projects confirm that aid works http://eastlondonnews.co.uk/islamic-relief-projects-confirm-aid-works/
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