Saturday 29th& Monday 31stOctober: 100 volunteers at 40 Zone 1 train and tube stations, aiming to raise £20,000
Young Muslims are planning to turn up at London’s rail and underground stations in force – to collect money for the Poppy Appeal.
Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association will again be helping The Royal British Legion as a mark of good citizenship and a testament to the Islamic edict of demonstrating loyalty to your country.
They will also pay tribute to the valuable role Britain played in the fight against fascism – and the continuing need to be ever vigilant to the threat of extremism. The carnage caused by bloody extremists on the underground on 7/7 will give greater resonance to the charity campaign.
More than 100 volunteers from the group will be stationed at over 40 Zone 1 train and tube stations in the city of London on Saturday 29th October and Monday 31st October. They will be hoping to raise more than the £20,000 they collected last year.
This is part of a nationwide campaign by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to contribute to the country in different ways. This has included blood drives where Ahmadi Muslims give blood; charity walks; peace conferences and interfaith meetings.
The Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Muslims are obliged to be loyal to the country in which they live. Honouring those who fought to defend and safeguard one’s country is an important principle of Islam and in fact is an important principle of peace – especially when it is carried out with a sincere heart and for the sake of winning God’s pleasure."
"We are again delighted and proud to support the Poppy Appeal which provides financial, social and emotional support to millions who have served or who are currently serving in the British Armed Forces, and their dependents.
"As Muslims living in the country it is our duty to honour those who risk life and limb for the protection of all British citizens."
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said:
"I am thrilled to support this fantastic initiative by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association to raise money for The Royal British Legion. Showing support for this most worthy of causes is absolutely in keeping with the Islamic teachings of empathy, charity, generosity and compassion. I urge everyone to dig deep and give generously to these young Muslims volunteering their time and energy to sell poppies for those that put their lives on the line to protect us all."
Russell Thompson OBE, Director of Fundraising at The Royal British Legion, said:
"Our beneficiaries come from all walks of life, as do our supporters, and we are proud to be an organisation that stands shoulder to shoulder with people of all faiths and backgrounds. We are grateful to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association for collecting for this year’s Poppy Appeal and for supporting those who are serving in Afghanistan today, veterans of past conflict, and their families. The money they raise will make it possible for the Legion to provide our beneficiaries with £1.4million every week in direct welfare support."
