NW Islamic community raise £15,000 for Derry's Foyle Foodbank

The proceeds from events held over the year past were recently handed over, marking the ninth consecutive year that the Muslim community in the north west have fundraised for the local food bank.

Karen Mullan, Director, Foyle Network Foundation, which runs the foodbank, said: "We are so proud to partner with the Northwest Islamic Association. Over the years, their incredible members have raised over £15,000 to help those struggling in our community. Foyle Foodbank only exists because of this kind of amazing generosity. It’s a true pleasure to work hand-in-hand with the North West Islamic Association. Thank you all.”

Dr Sameh Hassan, Chairman of the North West Islamic Association said: “Since it was established ten years ago, The Peace Islamic Center focus was simply on helping the people around us. One of our charity activities we run every Ramadan for the last nine years is to support the local Foyle Foodbank during the month of Ramadan, which is the time when Muslims give most of their charity, so we wanted to use the month to support a local initiative. We believe that charity begins at home, within one’s own community.

"We all recognise that foodbanks shouldn’t need to exist, yet they do, and supporting them is a shared responsibility.

"The idea developed from simply collecting donations from our community to inviting people from the wider community to join in that effort and take a challenge of fasting for a day, not for religious reasons, but as a gesture of solidarity with those facing food insecurity.

"We honestly thought few people would volunteer to take on the challenge, but the cause resonated with many and it quickly became a shared cause that brought people together for a common purpose, and it has continued to grow each year.

"The level of generosity we saw from people across the community was remarkable. Contributions came from individuals of all backgrounds, people of different faiths and none. It reflected a real sense of solidarity in the city.”

Dr Hassan said the relationship with the Foyle Foodbank ‘has grown far beyond the annual fundraiser’.

"Our volunteers, including our youth, helped with collecting donations, bag-packing events, and work as volunteers in their warehouse.

"This year we were able to raise £1500. And over the years we have raised more than £15,000. Foodbanks and community fridges have become essential for so many families who are finding it harder to manage the basics. We are hoping that this contribution will help some of the families struggling during the summer holidays,” he added.

Foyle Foodbank provides emergency food and practical support to people in their hardest moments. Staff and volunteers also work with partners and local communities to ensure everyone gets the right help long before they need a food bank.

Over 10,4000 people were supported with food and household items by the Foodbank over the 2024/25 year, with over 200 babies registered with its hubs in Skeoge and the Waterside.

For more information visit: https://foyle.foodbank.org.uk/