Oldham does what it does best – helps the defenceless

Volunteers served up a huge helping of kindness for flood victims in Bangladesh – by holding a sumptuous fundraising meal at the Eastern Pavilion in Oldham.

Some 250 guests portioned out £10 000 to help rebuild the country after natural disaster hit seven regions, damaging homes, schools and hospital buildings and costing thousands of lives.

Attendees watched harrowing video stories and listened to moving accounts from special guests, including the Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Zahid Chauhan OBE, and Dr Musharraf Hussain, Freeman of Rochdale. The funds raised from the event will directly aid the poorest communities in Bangladesh, who have lost everything—homes, livestock, and livelihoods—and are in desperate need of medical care and income generation support.

Staggeringly, social pioneers in Oldham organised the event in just ten days! And, explained one of the organisers Muzahid Khan DL, its impact went beyond just the event to other parts of our borough – with pledges of money, and prayers and thoughts shared.

“Recognising that people are facing their own financial challenges, we asked that if they couldn’t attend, everyone should try and spare time for contemplation” said Muzahid, “and I believe this is what made the event a spiritual as well as fiscal one. The whole event exceeded even our high expectations.”

Over eight million people have been severely impacted by the floods, including over three million women, more than 76,000 people with disabilities, over 600,000 children and infants, nearly two million under-19s, and almost half a million elderly individuals. Esrat Karim Eve, founder of the Dhaka-based Amal Foundation, highlighted the severe toll on these vulnerable groups.

The event was jointly organised by Amana Foundation and Henna Foundation, with support from Upturn, local businesses, and individual community members. Special guests included the Oldham Roughyeds Rugby League team, who attended fresh from being crowned League One champions.

“Oldham excels at this kind of initiative and when need is highlighted, we do not pass by on the other side – whatever our own circumstances might be” said Anwar Ali OBE, co-founder of social enterprise Upturn, who sponsored a table. “Our own not-for-profit organisation regularly brings people together to help the vulnerable, whether that be here or overseas. Our door is always open to do more of the same for others.”

To donate to Anwar Ali’s Bangladesh Flood Appeal, visit  https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/anwar-ali?utm_term=GYJaB6mww