Islamic Relief UK and Give a Gift team up to help financially struggling families in Leeds after Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha

Islamic Relief UK supported charity Give a Gift in Leeds on Tuesday 19 July to give food to families hit hard by the rising cost of living.

This was part of a wider initiative led by Islamic Relief UK, involving 19 partners across the country who will distribute food, Eid gifts and essential items after the Islamic festival of Eid-al-Adha (1), when Muslims give Qurbani (2) meat to those in need.

Give a Gift also distributed Eid gifts to children from financially struggling families to help bring some joy for the festival of Eid.

With the cost of living increasing, Give a Gift have seen an increase in families struggling. They are receiving new referrals daily from working families, single parent families, asylum seekers and schools.

Many people have been hit hard by the cost of living crisis, especially low-income families, those suffering from domestic abuse, people who are homeless and refugees.

The food packs will contain items such as rice, potatoes, pasta, pasta sauce, flour, eggs, tomatoes, cereals and biscuits.

Rifhat Malik MBE, Project Manager at Give a Gift said: “We are grateful for the support from Islamic relief UK with the meat and food distribution taking place on Tuesday 19 July.

“Last year, the campaign was a big success as those affected financially throughout the pandemic appreciated the help and especially the meat as this is something our clients cannot simply afford.

“This year is no exception but equally many of the UK population are facing a cost of living crisis, so the help with the food and meat distribution will certainly help so many more who are struggling.

“We have had to double the amount of meat we received last year as the demand is far greater now than ever.”

Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK said: “Give a Gift are reporting that the number of families in Leeds struggling to put food on the table is increasing and that they have never seen things this bad.

“It’s heart-breaking to know that families are suffering and things are getting worse due to the cost of living crisis.

“We hope that our support to Give a Gift to help bring Eid gifts and food to families during this difficult time will bring some much needed relief.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

For any questions or to request to interview one of our spokespeople, please contact:

Saeedah Haque on [email protected] M:020 3148 3217

1. The month of Dhul Hijjah is one of the holiest periods of the Islamic year, when two very special events (Hajj and Eid ul Adha) take place. Hajj in Islam is a sacred pilgrimage performed by Muslims at the holy mosque Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and takes place during the month of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month in the Islam calendar. As Muslims, undertaking Hajj in Islam – is a spiritual duty, as long as they are financially, physically and emotionally able to do so. On Eid al-Adha, Muslims remember the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). In remembrance of his sacrifice and to help the poor and needy, Muslim give Qurbani.
2. Qurbanimeans sacrifice. Every year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal – a goat, sheep, cow or camel – to reflect the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, for the sake ofGod. In 2022, Qurbani distributions will aim to reach more people than ever before. After the animal has been sacrificed, its meat is then distributed to those most in need.

About Give a Gift

The Give a Gift concept has been developed by a partnership of organisations that recognise the need for the Muslim community to play a wider role within mainstream society. Since its inception it now works with people and partners from all backgrounds, contributing to our aim of making society a fairer and more harmonious community for everyone.

We raise funds for good causes and support the most vulnerable including asylum seekers, those living in poverty and people residing in disadvantaged communities.

About Islamic Relief

Islamic Relief is a faith-inspired, development and humanitarian agency working to transform and save the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in over 40 countries. Islamic Relief assists people according to need and does not discriminate in any way.

Set up in Birmingham in 1984 by a group of volunteers, we have assisted over 117 million people all over the world. We’re saving lives and empowering people to lift themselves out of poverty in over 40 countries – from Bangladesh to Bosnia, Pakistan to Palestine, Kenya to Kosovo. Islamic Relief is on the ground in some of the world’s most dangerous and difficult places – including Syria and Yemen – strengthening the most marginalised communities to withstand conflict and natural disasters and to build a brighter future. We also support vulnerable people in the UK in partnership with local charities and organisations.