This winter, the Dawoodi Bohras of Manchester and Birmingham undertook several initiatives to provide warmth and relief to vulnerable individuals and families during the coldest months of the year.
In Manchester, five young girls—Alifiya, Ruqaiyah, Safiya, Zahra, and Sakina—took action to raise funds and awareness for the homeless. Braving Storm Darragh on December 7th, 2024, the girls completed a five-kilometre walk to raise at least £500 for a local homeless charity. The funds will support essential services such as food, shelter, and clothing for those in need.
“Benefiting and uplifting others is at the heart of Islamic teachings, as we are taught by our community leader Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin,” said Alifiya Hakimuddin.
“This was a fun and healthy way to help others while bringing our community together, spreading positivity and impacting peoples’ lives,” added Sakina. “We hope to inspire others to do the same.”
According to the 2021 census data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), “The second highest percentage of people identified as homeless by region was in the North West (Manchester) with 13.3% or 1,853 of all people. According to research conducted by the nonprofit Shelter, homelessness for children, in particular, “is a tragic loss of childhood and a huge barrier to achieving academically. The disruptions caused go on to affect peers and teachers alike, meaning the impacts are many and long-lasting.”
The girls aim to raise awareness of the plight of the unhoused, and to demonstrate that every contribution can help provide a warm meal, a safe place to sleep, or even a fresh start for someone struggling with homelessness. Their resilience and determination in harsh conditions was a reminder that even the youngest members of our community can make a meaningful impact.
The Bohra community in Birmingham partnered with Thrive Together Birmingham, the Warwickshire Cricket Foundation, and Birmingham PlayCare Network to support Birmingham’s Children’s Centres by collecting gifts and toys for over 15,000 vulnerable children this December. This initiative has brought festive cheer to families facing hardship, ensuring that children can still enjoy the holiday season despite difficult circumstances.
Martin White, co-development worker for Thrive Together Birmingham, thanked everyone who participated in the toy drive.
“It will make a genuine difference to a lot of children and families,” he said.
In addition, community members launched a coat donation drive to provide warmth to Birmingham’s most vulnerable residents, teaming up with Reachout Birmingham’s “Wrap up” campaign. Children from the community took the initiative to collect gently used coats, which were rehomed to the homeless, refugees, families and children facing financial hardship, and those seeking refuge from domestic violence. As winter temperatures drop, these coats offer critical protection, especially to those without proper shelter.
These combined efforts, under the banner of the Dawoodi Bohra community’s Project Rise, are a continuation of the community’s endeavour to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.Find more information on how to help in Manchester and Birmingham.