Charity food drive aims to bring ‘10,000 Smiles this Ramadan’

Local Muslim communities across North-West London have marked the advent of Ramadan by launching a charity drive that aims to feed vulnerable families over the next 30 days.

Sufra NW London’s ‘10,000 Smiles this Ramadan‘ appeal will raise money in order to deliver 10,000 meals to disadvantaged people within the community.

While each meal costs just £2, the charity group is seeking to raise £20,000 via the Virgin Money Giving website.

With 16 online donations already made since the start of Ramadan, 16% of the total, or £3,371, has already been raised.

One donor, Saira Hussain, who donated £10, left a warm message of encouragement stating: “Ramadan Mubarak to all. Hope this helps some vulnerable people inshallah. Allah is by your side and will help to give you the food you need.”

The “Community Food Bank & Kitchen” said that reaching the intended target will “ensure that over 500 people will receive vital aid over the next month”.

Sufra NW London was established in 2013 to “address both the causes and consequences of impoverishment in the community”.

Based on St. Raphael’s Estate, which is said to be “Brent’s most disadvantaged neighbourhood”, the charity says it “provides a life-line for people in crisis – including families living in extreme poverty and people who are vulnerable, homeless and socially isolated”.

While providing “guests with the food and support they urgently need to survive”, the community food bank seeks to “empower them to learn new skills and improve their wellbeing, and help them find work and become financially stable”.

Online donations can be made on the following Virgin Money Giving page.