Sisters Forum and Islamic Relief UK distributed Eid al-Adha (1) gifts to children from families hit by the cost of living crisis. The scheme is part of a wider nationwide distribution of essential items and food – including Qurbani meat – which will be provided throughout the month alongside twenty-six partners including foodbanks, community hubs and faith organisations.
In Newham, Tower Hamlets and Barking – some of the hardest hit areas affected by the rising cost of living – Sisters Forum gave out gifts 100 gifts to children on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 June to coincide with Eid al-Adha.
Sisters Forum are reporting that prices and bills are rising, and things are getting worse for low incomes families and those just receiving benefits.
Many people have been hit hard by the cost of living crisis, especially low-income families, those suffering from domestic abuse, people who are homeless, asylum seekers and refugees. They continue to make difficult decisions between feeding themselves and their families or heating their homes.
Across the country, Islamic Relief UK are distributing gifts including toys and games to nearly 3,000 children. The crisis and the impacts of the pandemic have pushed vulnerable individuals deep into poverty, forcing some families to plan cutbacks on festivities for the Muslim holiday of Eid.
Eid al-Adha lasts for a period of three days – starting on the 10th day of the holy month of Dhul Hijjah when Muslims donate Qurbani (1) meat to those in need and are encouraged to share food with neighbours.
Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK said: “On the blessed days of the Islamic festival of Eid-al-Adha, we are proud to be working with Sisters Forum, who will be distributing Eid gifts to families struggling with the cost of living crisis.
“The crisis in the UK is continuing to wreak havoc on families as many go hungry and are unable to pay their bills. This should simply not be the case in the UK.
“Islamic Relief UK is calling on the UK government to urgently work at every level to strengthen the social security system and ensure that benefit payments are, at least, enough for people to afford essential household goods and adequately feed themselves.”
