Islamic Relief Volunteers distribute ‘Winter Kits’ to homeless in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen

Volunteers from across Glasgow are leaving their warm homes and cosy winter nights in front of the TV, to distribute much-needed winter items to the hundreds of homeless people who are sleeping rough on the streets of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

The group of 24 volunteers are preparing and delivering more than 350 winter kits, which include a hat, scarf, gloves, thermal socks, T Shirt, Dental Kit and a packet of biscuits, on behalf of Islamic Relief UK – an international development charity working to tackle poverty in the UK and overseas. The charity has also handed out sleeping bags and thermal flasks to those who need them most.

Many of the items in the kits have been donated or paid for by the Scottish public and through local community fundraising events. Children from the Al Meezan Friendship Club in Dumbreck and Baitul ILM in Robroyston, collectively raised more than £500 for the appeal. Other items have been donated by local businesses like Bonnypack Cash and Carry and Bonanza Cash and Carry.

Islamic Relief’s winter campaign also supports refugees, displaced and vulnerable people around the world who are facing the prospect of having to survive winter without adequate shelter, food or clothing. The charity helped over 90,000 people last winter, including families in Afghanistan, India, Kosovo, Nepal, Pakistan and Yemen, providing them with items such as blankets, mattresses, plastic mats and sheets to help protect them against the freezing weather.

Nadeem Baquir, Scotland Community Fundraising Manager said: “We’ve been running the winter-kit distribution project in Scotland for several years now. Our volunteers have a real appetite for supporting local initiatives as well as international initiatives. It’s just as important to them to give back to the community where they live, as it is to support vulnerable people overseas.”

Volunteer, Faiza Haq said: “Working in the centre of Glasgow, you come across a lot of homeless people. They’re not there out of choice, but because life hasn’t been kind. Many of the people we meet once had homes and jobs, just like you and me. As a community, I feel we have an obligation to help where we can. Sometimes just chatting to a homeless person or sharing a smile with them can make a big difference.

“It’s been a huge privilege to do this work with Islamic Relief and I know the winter kits mean a lot to the people we meet. It’s really important to show them that we care, and it’s been great to see how encouraging the Scottish public have been when we’re out distributing. We can’t solve the whole issue but we can make a small difference.”

Islamic Relief is encouraging the public to donate to its winter appeal, which will help vulnerable people around the world survive the cold months ahead. Just £50 could provide a family with food for a month, £65 could provide a family with winter clothes and £120 could provide a person in need with a winter pack https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/winter-appeal/

Ends

For press enquiries contact [email protected]