Rochdale families in need helped by Planet Mercy volunteers

Planet Mercy volunteers prepared food parcels and warm meals to distribute to families in Rochdale

Rochdale families in need received aid from a local charity on Sunday (19 May).

Planet Mercy volunteers prepared food parcels and warm meals to distribute to families in Rochdale who have fled war-torn countries.

The warm meals were distributed for the Iftar, breaking the daily fast during Ramadan, whilst the parcels contained basic necessities like rice, oil, flour and dates.

In total, 30 packs were given including clothes and Zakah (a donation comprising of a set portion of an adult Muslim’s wealth who can afford to do so) to the neediest families.

Volunteer Arshad Mahmood said: “We also met several new needy families who just arrived from Iraq and Syria in need of support, as their weekly support from the government is £5 per household member, per day, which isn’t much to survive on.

“Many of them are living in difficult conditions. We also held an immigration clinic where they were offered advice for their circumstances.

“This Ramadan we have launched an appeal for you to help us with your Zakah/Sadaqah so we can continue this much needed work.”

Planet Mercy is a registered UK charity, under the umbrella organisation of Madina Institute UK. The organisation began in 2009, working in the Oldham and Rochdale areas, and has provided thousands of warm meals across the country.