Donations made to children’s charity Retrak at 'Iftar' fundraiser

Guests at the Rochdale Bangladeshi Partnership Project annual charity Iftar

The Rochdale Bangladeshi Partnership Project held its annual charity 'Iftar, a gathering at which key members of the borough were invited to join them in their Ramadan celebrations.

The event was one of many Iftar dinners currently taking place around the borough as Muslim communities mark the end of their daily fast by inviting members of the community to join them for dinner and to raise money for charity.

Donations were made to children’s charity Retrak at the event, which took place at Wardleworth Community Centre.

Retrak enables children in Africa to have a real alternative to life on the street.

Sajjad Miah is going to visit Uganda later this year. He said: “I am so grateful for the help and support given to me by the Rochdale Bangladeshi Partnership Project – it’s a fantastic way to get together and raise funds for charities.

“I have truly been amazed by the support of the people in the borough of Rochdale. The amount raised will be added to my fundraising total – which no doubt Retrak will be very pleased to know.”

He added: “I am now looking forward to my visit to Uganda in October as I have managed to exceed my fundraising target.

"A special thanks to Dobir Miah who put the event together and also cooked the meal for us.

"Thanks also to the staff at the CommuniTea Room, Wardleworth Community Centre and everyone who came along.”

Mr Miah will join a team of volunteers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) at one of Retrak’s centres in Uganda’s capital city Kampala this October. They will run activities, games and crafts to build the confidence of Retrak’s young people as well as renovating and improving the centre.

The Rochdale Bangladeshi Partnership Project co-ordinator Dobir Miah said: "We are really pleased to have members of all backgrounds and professions join us. We are equally pleased to have received donations made at the charity Iftar, the amount raised on the night will mean Retrak will be able to support more street children in Africa.”