Southampton mosque raise £2,000 to support Turkey earthquake victims

Congregants at Shahjalal mosque and Islamic centre came together and raised £2,400 in one day.

The fundraiser was organised with the help of Southampton-based charity Rays of Hope which will then transfer to charities on the ground who will assess how to best support the community.

Rashid Islam, 43, secretary of the Muslim Council of Southampton, said: “The chairman of Shahjalal mosque and Islamic centre contacted us and said we need to do fundraising today.

“And bearing in mind the news only came out earlier this week, it was a great effort.

"All the volunteers did a great job, and the members (were) clearly heartfelt and opened their wallets and their heart."

READ MORE: Turkish restaurant owner's anguish after losing contact with friends and family

The community was touched by the images of the destruction, especially as some have friends and family affected.

Rashid said: “There are a number of, not just our mosque, a number of mosques across Southampton, who have been affected.

“We do have a growing Turkish Syrian community here and yes, we do know people who have lost family and friends.”

Mahmood Kabbashi. rays of hope charity (Image: Newsquest)

Mahmood Kabbashi, 50, from the charity Rays of Hope, said: “Today was very good, the people here were supportive and we have raised funds for the victims of the earthquake.

“This definitely will do some help for the people on the ground. The situation is very bad, to be honest.

“It is a real disaster for all the people who have lost their lives, lost their homes, lost their belongings and everything.”

Donations were collected after lunchtime prayers when congregants gathered outside the mosque’s doors to hold the fundraiser.

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READ MORE: Saints make £10,000 British Red Cross donation to support Turkey and Syria earthquake

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