Staff Reporter –
The spirit of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr which follows the Holy Month should extend to helping the poor and the needy, says a community leader.
Faiyaz Khan, known to the Indian community in general and Indo-Fijians in particular, is on his seasonal round of collecting material and money for Fatimah Foundation, which is at the forefront of helping poor families in Fiji.
“About 30 families are in urgent need of food and other basic essentials every week and while we are doing our best, public support and patronage will help in our efforts to keep them healthy and sustained,” he said.
Basic needs
As the Foundation’s Food Bank Coordinator, Mr Khan is well aware of the difficulties faced by people with modest finances.
“We need a number of items including rice, flour, cooking oil, noodles, canned fish, milk powder, sugar, tea, sadaqa or haqeeqa meat. Those keen on donating food can buy from ‘Get Fresh’ in Otahuhu and leave it at the supermarket if our office next door is not open. We will be grateful for any donation,” he said.
Mr Khan said that the new office of Fatimah Foundation is located on Station Road (next to ‘Valley Fresh.’
For further details, please contact him on 021-2609104 after 3pm for collection.
An acronym of Family Assistance to Islamic Mothers and Homes, the Foundation was established in 2009 with a passion for serving the poor. Its commitment has captured the attention of a large segment of the Muslim population.
Islamic values
According to Mr Khan, cultural barriers influenced adversely on Muslim women who were victims of family crisis or family breakdown.
“The fear of the unknown prevents such women from seeking timely help to resolve their family disputes. Fatimah Foundation is unique and possesses special attributes that provide values-based services and culturally appropriate facilities and services holistically to a diverse Muslim community,” he said.
Children’s safety
Foundation Co-Founder and Service & Operations Manager Noeleen van de Lisdonk said that the primary role of the Foundation was to provide opportunities for education and promote the interests of the Muslim community through advocacy, support, education, advice, and information to families and people under stress and at risk.
“The Secondary Role is Intervention and Safety for women and children at risk or in crisis by providing critical cultural and Islamic support services,” she said.
