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Douglas Alexander pays tribute to Muslim Aid's outstanding contribution

11 Sep 2009 10:42:00 GMT
Source: Muslim Aid - UK
Muslim Aid

Website: Website: http://www.muslimaid.org/

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Muslim Aid's Annual Iftar Dinner 09/09/2009

Sir Iqbal Sacranie announces pre-launch of Friends of Muslim Aid; Muslim Aid surpasses Ramadan appeal target and proves its standing in wider British society

The Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander, last night paid tribute to the extraordinary charitable work of leading charity Muslim Aid at the organisation's annual Iftar dinner.

The well-attended event brought together distinguished guests, including the Secretary of State, Baroness Pola Uddin and Deputy Mayor of London Richard Barnes, to celebrate the achievements of Muslim Aid in its efforts to alleviate the suffering of the most destitute communities around the world. It was an opportunity to acknowledge the success of Muslim Aid's continuing partnerships with British Muslim communities as well other partner organizations and communities.

Douglas Alexander, the Secretary of State for International Development, and Muslim Aid Chairman Sir Iqbal Sacranie, delivered keynote speeches.

Douglas Alexander said that he was humbled and honoured to be part of the Iftar dinner and noted that the period of Ramadan is a time of charity when we can "reflect on the common humanity which binds us together". Referring to his recent visit to Bangladesh, the minister told the audience that he had himself witnessed the outstanding contribution and the difference being made by Muslim Aid in "communities living in unimaginable hardship".

The Secretary of State said that the UK government is proud of working in partnership with Muslim Aid as they strongly shared the passion of "care and concern" in the joint struggle for the eradication of poverty and hunger. He said "The work that Muslim Aid is doing is so important, not simply for the countries where the work is having a humanitarian impact, but also here in the United Kingdom, in terms of the values that the organisation espouse and the message that sends to the wider community".

Chairman of Muslim Aid, Sir Iqbal Sacranie announced the pre-launch of Friends of Muslim Aid (FoMA), a new initiative to bring together Muslim Aid's loyal donors and supporters in their common vision of serving humanity in the fight against global poverty. He said "The purpose of FoMA is to keep these important contacts regularly updated with Muslim Aid's work and to encourage them to be actively involved through engagement."

Sir Iqbal announced that Muslim Aid's £2.5 million Ramadan Campaign is surpassing all expectations with donations already totaling almost £1.5 million and a new record set for fundraising in live appeals. Sir Iqbal acknowledged that Muslim Aid's loyal donors have been overwhelmingly generous this Ramadan despite the economic downturn. He explained why it is important to continue fundraising and reminding people of their moral responsibility to help fellow human beings: "While we are sitting here tonight, 900 million people are going to sleep without food."

Baroness Pola Uddin, who has visited Muslim Aid projects in Bangladesh, remarked that Muslim Aid's work is "undoubtedly the best".

Deputy Mayor of London, Richard Barnes, noted that the month of Ramadan brings people together and that Muslim Aid's practice of "stretching a hand of friendship to all" had perfect resonance with the values that Ramadan encompasses and said that the participation of London's Muslim communities in civic life is essential for London's multi-cultural and multi-faith image.

End

Note to Editor

Please visit Muslim Aids website, www.endpovertyfast.com, for more information about the "What will YOU give this Ramadan?" 2009 campaign.

"What will you give this Ramadan?" is Muslim Aid Ramadan 2009 Campaign set to highlight the different ways to help those in need this Ramadan whether it be through donations, volunteering or through prayer.

Muslim Aid has raised nearly £1,500,000 so far in it's "What will YOU give this Ramadan?" campaign.

For further information please contact Maryam Mohsin maryam@muslimaid.org

Muslim Aid is a UK based relief and development agency established in 1985 and working in over 70 countries with field offices in Bangladesh, Bosnia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iraq, Pakistan, Philippines, Somalia, Sri Lanka and Sudan. We work with all in need, regardless of their race, religion, gender, nationality or political opinion and specialise in providing: emergency relief including food, shelter and medical support; capacity building through water, sanitation and health programmes; education and skills training; micro-financing and income generation in addition to providing specialist programmes such as orphan care. As well as supplying practical help, Muslim Aid assists communities in examining the causes of poverty and underdevelopment, and in advocating for a more just society and a sustainable future.

[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]