Dr Nauman Iftikhar, President Jamaat Northern Ireland
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Northern Ireland planned “Ahmadiyya Charity Walk for Peace”, which was to be held on 30 May 2020, to raise funds for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, Marie Curie and Cancer Research UK.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this plan had to be cancelled. Recently, however, funds were raised by the Jamaat for these well-deserved charities and ceremonies were arranged for cheque presentation.
Funds were raised by different means, including street collections, bag packing at Marks & Spencer stores and from friends and colleagues. We received great help and support from community friends, local authorities and dignitaries.
On 7 November 2020, a cheque presentation ceremony took place in Grange Park, Omagh. Due to pandemic restrictions and social distancing measures, it took place in an open place i.e. Grange Park, and no guests were invited.
The event took place as per the guidance from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Cheques were presented to charities’ representatives by Dr Nauman Iftikhar Sahib, President Jamaat Northern Ireland, in the presence of Cllr Chris Smyth, Mayor of Fermangh and Omagh District Council.
A cheque of £2,650 was presented to Damien McAnespi from Air Ambulance Northern Ireland and a cheque of £1,500 was presented to Lorna Stewart from Cancer Research UK, while a cheque of £1,000 was presented to Sheena Havlin from Marie Curie UK.
This event was covered by all newspapers of Omagh, including Tyrone Constitution and Ulster Herald.
We thank everyone who supported this charitable event. May Allah the Almighty bless us with more opportunities to serve humanity to the best of our abilities. Amin