Derry's Muslim community donate £1,000 to Foyle Foodbank from fundraising efforts throughout Ramadan

Muslims from the Derry area have stepped in to help the Foyle Foodbank by generously donating £1,000 raised during the month of Ramadan when Muslims fast from dawn until sunset every day and are encouraged to think of those less fortunate than themselves.

The Northwest Islamic Association organised a Charity Fasting Challenge and nearly one quarter of the amount was raised by the volunteers who participated in the Challenge.

Organisers were especially moved by the generous donations from the Syrian families and the young school going children who broke their piggy banks to give to the City’s busiest Foodbank.

John McMonagle, Chair of the Foyle Foodbank said" “The generosity of the Northwest Islamic Association is heart-warming and I want to thank everyone who took on the charity fasting challenge. In the past year the Foodbank has fed 4,349 people including 1,947 children through the provision of 1,232 three day emergency parcels, this is a clear indication of the level of hardship so many families on a low income are facing.

"On behalf of those people I want to once again sincerely thank everyone involved in making the Ramadan Charity Fasting Challenge a success and we look forward to working in partnership with our Muslim neighbours in the future."

Foyle Foodbank is based at the Apex Living Centre, Springtown Industrial Estate and can be contacted on 07716129788.