Assalaamu-alaikum wa rahmatullah,
Ramadan is a very busy time for any charity in terms of fundraising and it was no different at the National Zakat Foundation. But we were equally busy in processing applications for support and distributing funds to those in need on our doorstep. Alhamdulillah during the month of August we were able to distribute over £33,000 to over 50 of our brothers and sisters in need across the country, taking our total distribution for 2012 to over £160,000.
This message from one of our female beneficiaries was particularly heartening and demonstrates the importance of our work, “The National Zakat Foundation has helped me very much this Ramadan. I was struggling so much but by the help of Allah, NZF supplied me with food as I had run dry of money to eat. They have been the only Islamic charity to actually help me in the seven years I have been Muslim. May Allah reward them for their efforts. Ameen.”
10 week summer campaign comes to a close
The NZF Champions summer campaign officially ended on 24th August 2012. The 10 week campaign saw volunteers from across the UK carry out different tasks each week in order to raise awareness about the work of NZF and the importance of Zakat in helping to alleviate poverty amongst Muslims in the UK. Alhamdulillah, more than 60 Champions set up a fundraising page on our website, together raising over £40,000 for our work. We will be awarding the top performing Champions of the campaign with amazing prizes including an Umrah trip, iPad 3 and £100 Gift Vouchers. Winners will be announced on 7th September 2012 insha’Allah.
Solid progress with shelter projects
We are now just weeks away from opening our London shelter for homeless Muslim women insha’Allah. The building is fully refurbished and furnished, ready to welcome vulnerable women through its doors. Almost all the shortlisted candidates from the 77 who applied to work at the shelter have now been interviewed and we expect to have selected three successful candidates by the end of this week insha’Allah.
Our Birmingham shelter continues to be a little more challenging, with complications and delays arising from some of the partners with whom we are working. However, this project will receive even more attention in coming weeks to ensure delivery within the fast possible timeframe insha’Allah. Please make du’a for the smooth delivery of this shelter so that our sisters in need can begin to benefit from its excellent facilities.
Last but not least, operations have begun to launch our Manchester shelter by early 2013 insha’Allah. We are currently searching for a suitable property as well as a reputable delivery partner. Alhamdulillah, there has been strong interest from a number of organisations who are keen to partner with us and help deliver services at the shelter.
A number of you have been in touch with regards to volunteering your time and skills at each of the shelters. Your interest has been noted – volunteers will be recruited and trained once staff are in place at each location insha’Allah.
Fulfilling our vision
Alhamdulillah as the profile of the National Zakat Foundation has continued to grow at a rapid pace across the UK, we move ever closer to our special vision: a pious, confident, selfless and self-sufficient UK Muslim community, where no individual in need is left abandoned.
Jazak Allah Khair for your participation and support. This is your Foundation after all and together we can create an institutional legacy for the benefit of generations to come insha’Allah.
Wassalaam,
Iqbal Nasim
Project Manager
National Zakat Foundation
