The Bradford charity feeding the homeless during Ramadan
Charity organisers said it was "massively rewarding" to feed hundreds of people in need during Ramadan, as they launched a free food drive.Volunteers from the 313 Foundation - many of them children - hosted an event in Bradford city centre, where around 300 people collected jacket potatoes, soup and biryani.Shahnaz Tanweer from the charity said the event in Centenary Square was not just about feeding the homeless but about restoring dignity and fostering unity.She said: "I think respect is key because everybody deserves respect, it doesn't matter who you are."
Ms Tanweer said the group had launched during Ramadan because charity, compassion and community were key parts of the Islamic holy month.The charity also aims to launch projects tackling issues including health inequality, with a goal to "empower the people of Bradford through community-driven programmes and services".
Many of the volunteers at the launch were children, who said they loved being able to help those who are homeless or otherwise struggling with the cost of living.Ehlissya, 11, said: "I'm here today because I celebrate Ramadan and I love to help people out. I like giving food to the homeless."It just lit a fire in my heart, thinking that they won't go hungry when Ramadan comes."There are thousands of people who go hungry every day. To help out at least a small percentage of them has really made me happy."Honestly, when they find out that it's free, their face lights up. And that's a really nice thing to see."Her younger sister Nouraine said she too was proud to be part of "a community that helps out poor people that are in need".The youngest volunteer, six-year-old Abbas, added: "I feel happy helping people."
Jaffar Naqvi, a charity trustee, said his background as a mental health nurse working with vulnerable people including rough sleepers had triggered his involvement with the group."We had a look to see what were the downfalls in our own community," he said."We see a lot of people collecting for everywhere, every country, water appeals, food appeals. We have to look at ourselves as well."Colleague Qasim Akbar said: "A lot of the volunteers are fasting themselves, and it's that much more rewarding for those who get to feel what others are feeling."And when you're providing safety for them in these cold conditions - there's nothing like it."He stressed that while the newly formed charity was Muslim-led, its mission was to help everyone."This is about humanity, and humanity belongs to all of us. That is the foundational religion for us all," he said.
Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
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