2 Feb 2021 – The East London Mosque partnered with Islamic Relief UK to organise, pack and distribute up to 500 winter food packs to vulnerable people in London, including the homeless, low-income families, those suffering from domestic abuse, asylum seekers and refugees.

This is part of a countrywide campaign, which will see up to 2,000 food packs distributed by Islamic Relief UK and partners in London, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham.

The East London Mosque has been distributing food in the local community since the first lockdown. This latest initiative aims to reach vulnerable people across London.

The food packs not only contain non-perishable food items, they also include essential items such as masks, hand sanitisers, gloves, hats, scarves and socks.

With the help Give a Gift in Leeds, the East London Mosque has also partnered with Aldi to provide food vouchers, so families can buy general goods from Aldi stores to supplement their food packs.

Sufia Alam, Maryam Centre Manager at the East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre, said:

The lockdown and loss of income have meant more families than ever are struggling to make ends meet. These winter packs help people who are desperate for basic essentials whilst they are in lockdown with their families, and for some of the residents in shelters it means there is an additional boost to keep them safe with protective masks and hygiene products. We work with vulnerable women in domestic abuse situations, and these packs are essential support for them.

Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK, said:

Having supported the East London Mosque with the distribution of 200 bags of Qurbani meat in 2019, we are humbled to have the opportunity to work with them once more to aid the local communities of East London. The East London Mosque team works tirelessly to provide for people of all faiths, and we are delighted to offer support where we can.

With the number of coronavirus cases at an all-time, daily high in the UK, it is important – now more than ever – to stand together as a community and provide for those in need.

Photography by Rehan Jamil

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