Donation Appeal for Newcastle Foodbank in Need

An awareness group in Newcastle has called on Muslims to urgently donate food in response to an appeal made by “Britain’s largest foodbank”.

The Newcastle West End Foodbank is in “dire need of donations” as the charity group’s food supply rapidly dwindles.

Featured in the critically acclaimed movie ‘I Daniel Blake’, the foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

Part of its work involves providing “three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis”.

The Islamic Diversity Centre (IDC), an organisation that challenges stereotypes and works to tackle misconceptions about Islam and Muslims, has responded with an initiative to raise funds and collect food donations.

Examples of food items being asked to be dropped off at IDC North East’s office are: cereal, dried pasta, rice, tea and coffee, juice, sugar, pasta sauce, tinned fruit and veg, tinned tomatoes, and tinned rice pudding.

But doners have been told to make sure that all food donated is not out of date.

An online donation page has also been launched by IDC with the option of local donations being collected if required.

The IDC North East says that “it is an organisation comprised of enthusiastic, vibrant and friendly Muslims eager to share the true message of Islam” and who hold a weekly Islamic Awareness stall in the area on the weekends.

According to its website: “We are different people from different walks of life united under one cause. Committed to clarifying misconceptions and devoted to challenging stereotypes. Our mission is to share with the British public the true message of Islam and put smiles on faces!”

Credit: IDC

Give each other gifts, and you will love each other – Prophet Muhammad

While mosque visits for the general public are also organised, the IDC has also launched innovative social community initiatives “to improve and help those most in need” including the ‘Muslim Snow Patrol’ and ‘Muslims Give Blood’ campaigns.

The group has also launched a funding page to help continue its #MakeAChildSmile project, which involves bringing a smile to sick children in local hospitals by giving them with presents.

Based on the statement of Prophet Muhammad: “Give each other gifts, and you will love each other,” the project costs around £750 per Eid.

So far the IDC has raised only £35 but is hoping people will “dig deep” and donate far more during these last 10 days of Ramadan.

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IDC North East