LONDON – Every year, winter is a difficult time for the homeless and rough sleepers. This year, an army of British Muslims have launched an initiative to collect and distribute used coats to help those in need.

Human Appeal, one of the UK’s fastest growing charities, has a presence in 25 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

“Here in the UK, we help in times of crisis and deliver sustainable development programs in the world’s poorest nations,” the NGO’s UK Programs Manager Samra Said told Impolitikal.com.

“Wrap Up is inspired by Hands On London’s Wrap Up London campaign. We partnered with Hands On London to launch Wrap Up Manchester in 2016 and we are delighted to run the campaign for its second year,” Said said.

“We run the campaign during our winter appeal, which is aimed at tackling the issue of homelessness in the UK and helping the most vulnerable to survive the winter,” he added.

As the number of rough sleepers in the UK has risen by 133 percent over the past 5 years, the campaign is not the only initiative by British Muslims to fight cold, Said clarified.

“Last year, due to the sharp rise in rough sleeping, Human Appeal partnered with One Roof Leicester to pilot a multi-faith night shelter project that rotates around 7 places of worship, with volunteers offering food and companionship for 10 rough sleepers. This year we are funding drop-in center to manage the increasing numbers of people with experiences of homelessness in Manchester,” he said.

“Wrap Up Manchester is an example of what people can do by contributing in little ways, either by donating their winter coat or raising awareness.

Said called Wrap Up an example of what people can do by contributing in “little ways, either by donating their winter coat or raising awareness. Where we can and where needed, Human Appeal is committed to respond to people in need, whether here in the UK or in Iraq, Syria, Myanmar, Yemen and elsewhere.”

Responding to a question on the rising anti-Muslim sentiments, he said, “We are a humanitarian and development organization.”

“We are committed to saving lives, alleviating poverty, transforming and empowering local communities, whilst championing humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence,” Said added.