As Muslims across the world observe the holy month of Ramadan and reflect on the needs of others, kind hearted members of a Newcastle Mosque have helped The People’s Kitchen by providing traditional curry and rice as well as entertainment for Newcastle’s vulnerable people.
Organiser Ajmal Khan, from Bilal Jamia Masjid Mosque in Elswick arranged for professional caterers and musicians including Doc Amand and South Shields based musician Ivon Jolly to feed and entertain around 150 “friends” of The People’s Kitchen at their Bath Lane premises.This is the second year that the Mosque has helped The People’s Kitchen.
“Ramadan is a period of reflection where a person can feel the hunger of those people that may not have the support or the means to feed themselves and their family from day to day,” said Mr Khan. “ Fasting helps us understand that there are people out there that don’t have a conventional life, maybe through mental health, trauma, circumstance or self harm.
“As proud “Geordie Muslims” our committee unanimously decided that we needed to do something on a local level. The North East has always been known for its friendliness and generosity and we feel that charity starts in our local communities where we can make a difference. We want the vulnerable people of Newcastle to know that the well established Muslim community do care about them and not just our own community.”
Trustee, David Yellowley from The People’s Kitchen was delighted with the help given by the Muslim community.
“There are a lot of misconceptions portrayed about the Muslim faith, mainly through a lack of understanding, however this event has demonstrated how they have applied the core principles of their faith to help those in need.
“We welcome the opportunity to develop an even better community relationship with Ajmal and everyone at the Mosque. The event was well attended and everyone enjoyed the food and entertainment.”
The People’s Kitchen have been feeding the homeless and vulnerable of Newcastle for more than 30 years, six days a week and the charity is run entirely by volunteers, no government funding is received and no one is paid for their work.
To donate to The People’s Kitchen – www.peopleskitchen.co.uk/donate
Photo Shows: Scenes from the evening
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The People’s Kitchen: The Alison Centre, 56 Bath Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5SQ (near St James’ Park)
Fast facts about The People’s Kitchen
- We provide a unique service for the homeless and vulnerable people of Newcastle
- We offer high quality and relevant services to maximise positive outcomes for friends.
- Our friends have open access to our services regardless of their personal circumstances
- Our services focus on friendship, food and futures. (out of hours)
- We can also provide basic essentials like clothing, showers and events
- We are extremely grateful to the 1,100 plus sources that donate to us every year.
- From large corporates to schools, churches and individuals, every donation matters.
- Our 200 volunteers deliver a staggering 35000 voluntary hours per year representing a benefit in kind wage saving of £0.5m
- A small donation goes a long way