RBPP raises money for Rochdale Foodbank and Springhill Hospice

The Rochdale Bangladeshi Partnership Project "Charity Iftar” raised money for Rochdale Foodbank

A charity event has raised over £500 for Rochdale Foodbank and Springhill Hospice.

The event, known as a Charity Iftar (gathering), was organised by the Rochdale Bangladeshi Partnership Project (RBPP) as a gathering to break the fast in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and took place at the Thamin Restaurant in Littleborough.

Amongst those attending were Rochdale Council leader Councillor Colin Lambert, Councillor Ashley Dearnley, Councillor Sultan Ali (who is also a trustee of Springhill Hospice), officers from GMP, Iain and Margaret Wight of the Foodbank and Jonathan Parris, Chief Executive of Springhill Hospice.

The RBPP organises an Iftar on an annual basis and since 2010 decided to include fundraising.

A brief outline of the project was given by Mohammed Dobir Miah, the Co-ordinator of Rochdale Bangladeshi Partnership Project. Dr Musharraf Hussain talked about the importance and benefits of Ramadan. A number of the dignitaries addressed the gathering. A meal to open the fast - at the end of the day when the sun sets - was followed by prayers and concluded with fundraising.

Dobir Miah said: "We are grateful for the overwhelming support we received and for all the donations made at the Charity Iftar, the amount raised on the night will mean two local charities will get a little contribution to support them with their causes."

The RBPP works to exchange and foster mutual understanding between British Bangladeshis and other communities.