Issue 149

Fast raises over £1,000 for charity

20th November 2006

On 19 October, the Islamic Society raised over £1,000 for charity in a day long fast that also celebrated the Islamic festival of Ramadan.

Abdullahi Arabo, the Islamic Society's president, said that, "Ramadan is an Islamic festival where Muslims normally fast for one month in the 10th month of the Islamic calendar."

The 'One Day National Fast' is an annual event where some 30 universities all over the UK take part. Over 200 participants attended the fast at Swansea University which was double the number of last years participants. In total £1,068 was raised.

Abdullahi said that, "The event raised money for both the Enfys Foundation, a Swansea based charity, which helps the homeless and drug addicts and Human Appeal International, who raise money for water supplies in impoverished areas in Africa."

As well as raising money for the charities, the event aimed to bring different cultures and religions together by allowing anyone to participate. Abdullahi said, "The whole event is aiming to create unity and understanding within the community."

Kylie Bartelli, Students' Union International Officer, also commented on the event, and said that, "it is important that events such as this help starving people in Africa meet their most basic needs."

Natalie Kow