Muslim Aid launches its annual Ramadan campaign

Bangla Mirror Desk:

Prominent MPs and Minsters supported international NGO Muslim Aid to celebrate the launch of its 2015 Ramadan campaign. Key note speeches were delivered by John Penrose MP (Parliamentary Secretary at Cabinet Office), Mary Creagh MP (Shadow Secretary of State for International

Development) and Rehman Chishti MP (Member of Parliament for Gillingham and Rainham). The  event was also attended by Rushanara Ali, Rt Hon Stephen Timms and Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell QC,

amongst other MPs.  Hosted by Rehman Chishti MP, the launch, which took place at the Terrace Pavilion in the Commons,

showcased the difference Muslim Aid has made to the lives of people facing poverty, conflict and

natural disaster across the world.         Guests, including donors, diplomats, media, public sector representatives and community leaders

were given a glimpse of some of the work Muslim Aid has done, from providing children with access

to schooling, to helping families earn a living through the charity’s Livelihoods Programme.

Attendees also saw the positive impact last year’s funding has had on the lives of those affected by

conflict in Syria, as a live link featured children who have found refuge in the Beity orphanage in

Turkey, funded by Muslim Aid.  The children who escaped civil conflict now have the opportunity for

a better future thanks to generous donations from the public.

The event also revealed the theme for this year’s Ramadan campaign, You Give We Serve, which

celebrates the accomplishments of the generous supporters who have helped Muslim Aid in serving

humanity.  Last year, Muslim Aid raised an unprecedented £7 million during Ramadan, enabling the charity to

support thousands of beneficiaries.  Muslim Aid’s “Feed the Fasting Programme” reached 40

countries around the world, and also extended to homeless people in the UK, while people affected

by the war in Gaza received vital life-saving support.

Since its inception in 1985, Muslim Aid has been raising funds during the month of Ramadan – the

time of year when most Muslims give to charity – which has gone towards providing essential

humanitarian support to poor and vulnerable communities throughout the year. The funds raised also ensure the delivery of vital sustenance to the most impoverished during Ramadan.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of Muslim Aid, Dr Manazir Ahsan MBE, said: “Our gratitude to our  supporters is boundless. It meant we were able to deliver urgent aid to countries that

needed it the most.  Thousands of people benefitted from sadaqah, zakah, support and kind  donations.  The outpour of support from the public has allowed us to continue serving

humanity.”

Mary Creagh noted her interest that Muslim Aid provides food support in the UK. She wished the

audience a happy Ramadan and added that “people of all faiths and no faith support [Muslim Aid’s]

work, the brilliant charity that you’re doing in this special time.”  Rehman Chishti praised Muslim Aid’s work as “highly outstanding” and added that Ramadan

is “…the time for you to help those who are weak and vulnerable around the world…people in

poverty are patient, and each and every one of us has a moral obligation to help them.”

Echoing support from his colleagues, Minister John Penrose reminded the audience of the ongoing

need for humanitarian aid noting that the need is “no less than it has ever been.” He went on to  praise Muslim Aid by stating: “The help Muslim Aid provides is needed and appreciated around the

world…I hope that Muslim Aid’s campaign this year is even bigger than the last.”