Our first Appeal started with just an email to our contacts. Little could we imagine that it would grow so quickly, so fast. Alhamdulillah our appeal was answered and through the generous help of the community, new friends, new faces and a tv programme, the members of fig and everyone present was blessed with a day that I am sure will be in etched in all our memories.
The day started out with probing questions and tv cameras for part of a documentary on muslims and how they are inspired to reach out to less fortunate communities through the inspiration of Ramadaan. Al Nur which is a programme shown on SABC 1, highlighted fig's vision and gave much needed exposure to the charities supported by FIG
We requested that donations of money, clothing and groceries be dropped off at the Taronga Road Hall Masjied, the space generously given to us by Sh Nazeem and Imam Cornelius of the Masjied to utilise. Fig Ladies effeciently organised the Hall with labels and section for the various goods and had a registration table for anyone wanting to volunteer.
Before long the hall was filled with people, some packing, some organising, others sorting clothing. We stood still for a few moments to marvel at the sight of so many faces we have just come to meet, old faces coming to assist and children relishing in the excitement of being able to help.
90 parcels were filled with food, toiletries and other essential items, parcels of meat was made, Clothing sorted into sizes of all ages and boxes were filled with groceries, toiletries for distribution.
Cars were organised and packed and together with a camera crew we set off for our distribution. Our first house was Aunty Fatima in Hanover Park, whose gratitude stirred our emotion instantly and her smile made all our hard work up to this day more than worthwhile.
The second stop was at Love his Children in Comet Road, surrey estate. Aunty Shahima whom fig has now established and a warm and loving relationship with sat and retold us stories of her children and her continues struggles to provide the best for them.
The third stop was IRFSA - Ihata Shelter - A centre for abused women and children, with needs far greater than we were able to provide, but make doa that by the donations we gave we were able to help them find some solace.
Fourth Stop - Vision Orphanage - a well kept and very organised home run by Boeta Sadick who even displays a chore chart for the children, something most of ours could benefit from
Al Nur, Beitul Ansar , Beitul Nur and Beitul Amaan were also recipients of groceries, toiletries or donations.
Leaving for home realising that we had no pre-prepared meals for our own families, and as the time for Iftaar loomed, we were all very gratefull and blessed that we would have something in our cupboards to make unlike those we left earlier hoping to revisit again soon insha-Allah.
Shukran Katheeran to all who made this day possible through the mercy of Allah SWT.
The FIG Network is a public benefit organisation which aims to address the poverty crisis in SA.We plan to do this through building a network of like minded individuals and young professionals who are passionate about making a difference in our society.
