Editor's choice October 2009

Islamic Help Celebrate Eid

Representatives of Islamic Help from Sultan Bahu Mosque helped bring Eid cheer to elderly residents throughout Balsall Heath this autumn. Over 100 food hampers consisting of basic necessities such as fruit, vegetables, juices, tea bags, coffee, sugar, energy saver light bulbs, beans and a lot more and funded through the Mosques congregation were put together by members of the Tyga Youth Group. Through help from residents associations, elderly residents were then identified as beneficiaries. The gifts to celebrate Eid were then distributed to residents regardless of religious denominations as a means of bringing the community closer together. Tyga Youth Group founder Kamran Fazal, with help from Abdullah Rehman, Balsall Heath Community Capacity Builder and other members of the youth group spent two happy days bringing Eid cheer to elderly Balsall Heathans.

Kamran Fazil, who is the UK Manager for Islamic Help personally, went out to deliver the packs. “The response we received was touching. As a charity we work in other countries around the world to make sure people there at least get a basic standard of living but I think it’s an extra bit special when you work in your own community and help those in need, especially in an area that I have grown up in. We want to show that we are part of this community and we want to make sure that we are able to help people within it no matter what their cultural, religious or ethnic background is.”

Kamran Uddin, another member of Tyga was especially taken aback at some of the reactions of residents whilst handing out the Eid Hampers, “I could not believe some of the conditions my fellow residents are living in and how they bravely cope. To me these could be my very own uncle and aunties and I will endeavour to participate and be involved in future local events. I would be honoured to help in the forthcoming handing out of Christmas hampers”.

Abdullah said of the initiative, “It was wonderful to see the young and the old being brought together. I hope to see us continue this goodwill throughout all of our communities’ religious and non-religious festivals. Fortunately, with Christmas being up the road we can repeat this community spirited event. The lessons are there for all of us to learn from”.

Islamic Help is an international humanitarian charity based at the Hazrat Sultan Bahu mosque on Ombersley Road.