Providing health equipment is a growing challenge facing different countries right now in the fight against the coronavirus.
Thanks to a Birmingham Muslim businessman and a local mosque, a new challenge has been kicked off to provide free mask-making kits for the people of Birmingham.
Loft25, which specializes in home furnishing and garden products, has teamed up with Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC) for the initiative.
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“We’re hoping to make masks for the whole city,” Loft25 owner Zhagum Arshad told Birmingham Mail.
“The Government has issued advice around wearing face coverings in places where social distancing is difficult to avoid. So, the demand for face masks has increased.
Zhagum Arshad, owner of Loft 25 and founder of the campaign
“The kits are going to be available from mosques all over Birmingham. We’ve already had mosques come forward to partner with us and other mosques will be joining soon.
“You’ll be able to go and collect the kits (for free) and this is open for everyone, every community, to make masks and give them out to their family and friends.
“Let’s bring back the notion of Birmingham being the Workshop of the World as we’re stronger together.”
This is not the first initiative by the pair to help the people of Birmingham.
It follows a campaign in April to provide free personal protective equipment (PPE) to NHS staff.
Uniting People
The effort aims to help the people of Birmingham from all faiths and races.
“This is a new campaign for all communities. It highlights humanity comes first, protecting lives comes first,” Saleem Ahmed from GLMCC said.
“The campaign draws inspiration from a verse in the Holy Quran which is translated as: If anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.’
“When we are in need, we show our true compassion and ability to work together. Differences can always be put aside.
“Mosques across the city have been running foodbanks to feed people in the city since the lockdown was announced. Now, they will also act as collection points for the 1 Million Mask Challenge kits.”
This is not the first time for British Muslims to step in to help their community during the pandemic.
Muslim businessman Yousuf Bhaliok donated £200,000 to NHS in March, launching an appeal to raise £1 million.