Words by Smiley Team
Thousands of students across the UK and overseas have raised over a million pounds for children across the world for international charity Islamic Relief.
In the UK alone, a phenomenal £878,000 was raised through a week of Covid-safe activities such as virtual auctions, where items such as toilet paper were auctioned off for £1k, a hand sanitiser for £600, a cake for £8k, and a can of fizzy drink for £2.3k.
Islamic Relief is a development and humanitarian agency working to transform and save the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in over 40 countries. Set up in Birmingham in 1984 by a group of volunteers, they have assisted over 117 million people all over the world. 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.
A ‘2020 Challenge’ was also set during the week, in which fundraisers were asked to pick a challenge like walking, running or cycling, apply the number 20 to it and ask for sponsorship. This also included people avoiding sugar, becoming vegan, doing 20 push-ups or going carb-free for 20 days.
Charity Week takes place between 26 October and 1 November. It involves student Islamic Societies, schools, colleges and the general public up and down the country donating their time, energy and goodwill to raise money for Islamic Relief.
Charity Week began as an annual volunteer-led campaign launched by a group of students in London back in 2003. Over the years it has raised over ten million pounds. Funds raised go to emergency and long-term care for children in some of the world’s poorest places and fragile environments, like Gaza, Yemen, Syria and Afghanistan.
"It is truly amazing what has been achieved during Charity Week this year, especially during this difficult time." Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK, said.
“With the challenges of fundraising during the pandemic and not being able to raise money through dinners, treks and bucket collections, our inspiring volunteers from all over the world have still managed to excel and fundraise for some of the world’s most vulnerable people.
“Every year during Charity week, I always feel inspired seeing the energy and compassion that young people show for others. It gives me hope for the future. Charity Week is a practical example of what happens when people decide that they will put aside their differences and work together to build a better, more hopeful world.”
To find out more about Islamic Relief and to support their work through donation, volunteering or fundraising, head to their website.
