The British Sri Lankan Association (BRISLA) partnered up with UK based charity Muslim Aid to raise £11,160 at a ‘Night for Children’ event at the prestigious Ravens Ait Island in Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey.
The aim of the event was to raise awareness of one of Muslim Aid’s key projects, the Rainbow Family Child Sponsorship Programme, which allows people to sponsor children in countries such as Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone and Bosnia.
As well as funds raised through an auction featuring a cricket bat signed by England International Moeen Ali, attendees pledged to sponsor 31 children throughout the year.
The Child Sponsorship Programme supports over 5,200 children across the globe by providing schooling costs, food, clothing and access to health services.
The event featured a range of videos telling stories of children whose lives have been improved through the sponsorship programme. A key note speech at the event was delivered by Muslim Aid Trustee, Sir Iqbal Sacranie.
Sir Iqbal commented: “Millions of children around the world miss out on their childhood as a result of poverty. It is our responsibility to pull children out of this cycle by ensuring that they are given the opportunity to grow, prosper and fulfil their potential. This event will help raise awareness of our cause and aim to get children off the streets and into the classroom.”
He added: “I thank BRISLA for partnering with Muslim Aid to organise this event, which is a great example of how community organisations can work together to bring about positive change.”
Chairman of BRISLA, Mr Ahmed Sivardeen said: “On behalf of BRISLA, I commend the work of Muslim Aid, as they share our values of community cohesion. BRISLA aims to create stronger social cohesion amongst the British Sri Lankan community as well as build bridges with other communities. The ‘Night for Children’ event was a great platform for us to come together for such a noble cause.”