Volunteers for international humanitarian charity Penny Appeal have made it a Ramadan to remember by giving up over 700 hours of their time to help those in need in their own communities as part of the charity’s ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ programme.
Dozens of people around the country helped with Penny Appeal’s UK aid work, from serving hot meals for the homeless and decorating properties damaged by flooding, to visiting children in hospital and welcoming refugees.
Members of #TeamOrange, the name given to Penny Appeal’s volunteer and fundraising family, have regularly helped others during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which started on the 5th of June.
Despite fasting, working, studying and caring for their families, they have made the time and found the energy to support people in desperate need.
Penny, the charity’s bus, has also been present at many of the activities, showcasing the ‘Serving in the Community’ ethos that is at the centre of Penny Appeal’s ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ UK work.
Penny Appeal’s community action and support over Ramadan has included:
- Over 2,355 meals provided to the homeless, vulnerable and refugees in Wakefield, Leeds, Rochdale, Carlisle and Coventry
- Over 435 gifts delivered to children in hospitals and hospices, including University College London Hospitals, Martin House Hospice in Wetherby, Leeds General Infirmary, and Eden Valley Hospice & Jigsaw in Carlisle
- A house and community centre in Carlisle redecorated following Storm Desmond floods
- Multi-faith community iftaars in Batley, Coventry, Blackburn and Burnley
- Plus dozens of fundraising car washes, street collections, supermarket bag packs and more, right across the UK, including Nottingham, Nuneaton, Leicester, Sheffield. Walsall, Bedworth, Warwick, Birmingham, Wigan, Bolton and Halifax
Harris Iqbal, UK Programmes Manager at Penny Appeal, said: “Our ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ work is a wonderful example of people coming together to help others in need locally.
Whether people require help with recovering after a natural disaster, the chance to enjoy a hot meal and some company, or just a friendly face and the opportunity to forget their troubles for an afternoon, our UK projects make these things happen.
“Our volunteers never fail to amaze us with their generosity and kindness, and we’re delighted that, once again, they have shown that compassion and charity are at the heart of their religions and their humanity.
“We’re looking forward to enhancing our UK work in the coming months and doing even more to help our neighbours.”
To find out more about volunteering with UK aid work, taking on a challenge or hosting a fundraiser as part of #TeamOrange, or to make a donation, visit www.pennyappeal.org or call 03000 11 11 11.
