Last month the IMWS and its partners helped galvanise the local community, to raise money for those affected by the floods in southern areas of the UK.
The generosity of local people saw £16,000 raised in aid of helping those affected by some of the worst flooding seen in modern Britain.
Chair of IMWS, Mohamed Mulla said: “The impact of the recent floods in parts of our country has been devastating and it has left people with damages of colossal proportion.”
Upon seeing this devastation the IMWS, Rabetah-Ul-Ulema, four masjids from Dewsbury and one from Hudderfield came together to action help from the local community.
Representing the Dewsbury mosques Kaushar Tai said: “It is wonderful to see both Dewsbury and Batley people working together to collect such a large contribution which we feel will go some way towards the flood relief.”
The £16,000 raised in a short space of time was handed over by representatives from the IMWS to the Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) – who are taking a lead in helping people and businesses affected by the floods.
The group of representatives were also joined by members of the Taunton and Somerset Islamic Centre, who had raised part of the total, inspected first-hand, the devastation at the Somerset Levels. They then went onto meet families who have been supported by grants from the SCF.
Chair of the IMWS Charitysub-committee, Hafez Mahmood Patel, said “I would like to express a very big thank you to everyone who donated generously and the different volunteers that joined us on our recent visit.
“This was well received locally and we have been able to see at first hand how the floods have devastated the community.
“Our donation will be put to good use towards rebuilding lives and
livelihoods that have been damaged.”
Bishop of Tauton Rt Revd Peter Maurice, who helped organise the visit said: “This is such a wonderful gesture of solidarity from one community to another.
“It’s heartening to find that rural communities in distress in Somerset are getting support from Muslim communities in Yorkshire.
“We’re very grateful to the Indian Muslim Welfare Society and to all the individuals who have generously contributed to the collection. We are deeply grateful for their expression of kindness, compassion and care for those affected by the flooding.”
Chief Executive of Somerset Community Foundation, Justin Sargent added, “The generous donation by the Indian Muslim Welfare Society in Yorkshire will be put to good use in helping to rebuild lives and livelihoods damaged by the flooding here in Somerset.
“It is a kind gesture from the Muslim community in Yorkshire and we are very grateful for their contribution.”
The group visited Thorney and Burrowbridge on Saturday 15 March and handed over a cheque of £16,000. Money which will help businesses and families in Somerset affected by the floods.
