Over the past three years, a team of Muslim volunteers and their multi-faith partners have delivered thousands of gifts to some of Leeds’ most vulnerable children, sharing their Eid celebrations with families of all faiths.
This year, with Ramadan in full swing, the great Toy Appeal has returned once again with the Give a Gift team hopeful of smashing all records in donations this year.
Growing from 500 toys in 2014, to 700 in 2015 and 900 the next year, those behind the appeal are optimistic of topping the four-figure donations this time around but need your supports.
Rifhat Malik, Give a Gift Ambassador, said: “Every year we deliver hundreds of brand new toys to children in Leeds who have to spend Eid in hospital or care and this year we are extending our reach to some of Leeds’ newest residents.
“We are hopeful of reaching 1,000 toys this year but need the publics’ help once again to reach this figure.
“The support has been amazing in recent times and I know we can do this for the kids.”
In past years the toy distribution has been shared between Martin house Children’s Hospice and the Leeds Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
This Eid, the Give a Gift team have decided to include asylum seeking families on their distribution list as they aim to ensure every child in need receives some sort of gift.
Fellow Give a Gift ambassador, Habib Khan, has been involved with the project since day one.
He said: “The concept is simple – throughout Ramadan we collect toys and gifts and on Eid, our team of Ambassadors will distribute them to the children in the Hospital, Hospice and the children from Asylum seeking families.
“For the toy appeal to have reached the size of which it is today shows the true spirit of Islam and our Eid message.”
The Give a Gift initiative was set up in 2014 as a way of encouraging the local Muslim community to get involved with local causes.
Since its introduction, tens of thousands of pounds have been raised for charity through various fundraisers, whilst £70,000 has already been pledged in 2016.
If you would like to donate a toy to the Big Toy Appeal this year, please email info@giveagift.org.uk or call, 07734 882116.
