Representatives of Brookhouse Development Group with Denise Gee, Fundraising Manager.
Local companies and community groups have provided charitable gifts to East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust’s official charity, ELHT&Me, in light of the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from all food and drink between the hours of sunrise and sunset, and it is a time for self-reflection and closeness to God. Muslims who are unwell or have a medical condition are not required to take part in fasting, but the community gives generously in this time, to help those less fortunate or in difficult circumstances.
Brookhouse Development Group (BHDG), a community interest company (not- for- profit) based in Blackburn, have pledged significant donations every ten days for the duration of the month of Ramadan. BHDG have used the Trust’s guidance to donate a range of goods that will support staff and patients, from PPE to food and sanitary items.
“Whilst we collectively navigate through this immensely difficult period, it becomes our responsibility to come together as a community to show our appreciation and support to the key workers at East Lancashire Hospitals for everything they do”, said Imran Patel of BHDG.
“It’s also wonderful to see many groups working tirelessly in our community and people coming together up and down the country to support each other. We will undoubtedly look back on this period and reflect upon the challenges, but also be proud of how we overcame them together.”
EG Group, the Blackburn based international petrol forecourt retail convenience operator, have provided 1000 bottles of water and 1000 packs of dates to be available over the Ramadan period for when the fast can be broken. The goods will be available for hospital staff in the Spiritual Care Centres, from dusk.
Imam Fazal Hassan, the Muslim Chaplaincy Co-ordinator for the Trust, said: "I would like to thank the Muslim community, and of course everyone in the local community, for their continued generous support to help both our staff and patients.”
“It is pleasing to see communities coming together showing solidarity and helping one another at this time of need. Ramadhan is a hugely important and spiritually significant time for Muslims; a time to show sympathy and empathy towards those who are suffering and in need of support. We are delighted to receive the continued support."
Denise Gee, Fundraising Manager for ELHT&Me, said: “Charitable giving from the Muslim community in East Lancashire is appreciated all year round, but in this challenging time, it is particularly significant, and will go a long way to show appreciation to our amazing staff, whatever their religious background.”
“We want to take this opportunity to remind the community that our staff have access to free meals whilst on shift, and we are unable to accept donations of hot or homemade food at this time, so please do not visit the hospital site to make food donations. Stay home, and stay safe!”
“If anyone would like to support their local NHS as part of their Ramadan charitable giving, please contact our Fundraising Team by emailing fundraising@elht.nhs.uk, or calling 01254 732140. More information is also available on our website – elht.nhs.uk/charity.”