Al Imaan Fundraiser Eid family fun day raises £2,288 for charity

Councillor Sameena Zaheer and Minnie Mouse in charge of the barbecue at the family fun day

An Eid family fun day at Castlemere Community Centre on Monday raised £2,288 for charity.

Organised by Al Imaan Fundraisers, Nigat Jan and Sadia Khatoon, a whole range of events were available on the day, including a bouncy castle, Mehndi, balloons, face painting, arts and crafts, a drawing competition and toy land.

Refreshments included cakes, pink tea, a sweet stall, ice creams and a barbecue.

The funds have been split between the Palestine girls’ orphanage, refugee camps in Athens and the Rajdhani Foundation for the construction of a hospital in Azad Kashmir.

Mohammad Sheraz will be delivering aid to the orphanage and Debbie Callaghan will be delivering aid in Athens.

Each year the Al Imaan Fundraisers change the charities and projects their events help. This year, the charities were chosen due to Nigat and Sadia being inspired by the work of Debbie and Sheraz.

Nigat explained: “We also wanted something for a hospital. This one is a five-year project for people in Rajdhani to use as they currently have to travel for around an hour for any medical needs.”

She added: “The day went really well. We’ve been doing it for years, to help do our bit.”

Sheraz said: “I am blessed to have people like sister Nighat and sister Sadia; the money will be spent on orphanage and daily necessities for the girls at the school.

“May Allah bless Al Imaan and all their family and friends and all volunteers who helped supported the fun day.”

Debbie Callaghan commented: “It was an amazing day, spent with so many huge-hearted people. Thank you so much to Al Imaan Fundraisers and so many others for always wanting to help people.

“The kindness of the people from Rochdale alone is mind blowing.

“[I am] So proud to know so many people who appreciate everything they have and who do not ignore the suffering of others and want to help people who are struggling across the world.”

A free ‘Umrahn ticket giveaway also took place, won by a lady only known as Hathoun, who was overjoyed to win. This will be Hathoun’s first ‘Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage made by Muslims to Mecca, which may be performed at any time of the year.