Communities Launch Annual Sadaqa Volunteering Day
Communities Minister Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon has welcomed the launch of Sadaqa Day – a day of positive social action designed to bring the whole community together through volunteering.
The inaugural Sadaqa Day will be held on 22 March and will see local communities and faith groups working in partnership on locally focussed projects and charitable initiatives.
Led by British Muslim communities, Sadaqa Day will be a date in the diary where everyone – individuals, places of worship, schools, women’s and community groups, scouts and guides groups — can get involved and contribute towards making their neighbourhoods a better place, irrespective of colour, creed, faith or background.
Volunteering activities could be anything communities want to donate their time and energy to – from helping the homeless, park clear-ups, collections of items for womens’ shelters, hospital and elderly people visits and more.
Already events are confirmed in Bradford, Egham, Feltham, Hounslow, Leeds, Lincoln, London, Luton Maidenhead, Manchester, Nottingham, Preston, Slough and Southall.
Lord Ahmad said:
“People of all faiths have a strong history of positive contribution to life in Britain and Sadaqa Day is another shining example of this tradition.
“There is no better way to break down barriers and form friendships than by mucking in and working hard on a shared interest – and that’s why my department is proud to be supporting the inaugural Sadaqa Day.
“I’d urge everyone in the community to roll up their sleeves and get involved in practical positive social action”
Sadaqa is an Islamic term that means voluntary charity – encompasses any act of giving out of sharing reflecting compassion, love, friendship and generosity. Sadaqa Day is a precursor to the Big Iftar, the annual British Muslim-led multi faith initiative in which people from different backgrounds share the fast-breaking meal (Iftar) together, during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Sadaqa Day also builds on the Jewish-led Mitzvah Day and the Hindu inspired national Sewa Day as an annual event that brings together people from different faiths and from all parts of society, in selfless acts of charity and service to the community.
Find out more about Sadaqa Day by visiting www.mysadaqaday.org
