“The essence of being a Muslim has the universal concept of kindness and compassion,” Nazim Ali
A school careers adviser, who’s raised almost £800,000 for charity, has just handed out gifts to poorly children in hospital, as part of his annual feel-good pressies distribution drive.
Nazim Ali, an Honorary Fellow at the University of Bradford, created some beaming smiles at Airedale Hospital’s children’s ward, in his 11th year of gift-giving.
The prolific fundraiser, best known as Bradford’s ‘Ramadan Runner’ for his running challenges while fasting, raises monies for causes around the world as well as for those at home. Earlier this year, he launched his ‘Nazim Ali Foundation’.
Talking about his recent gift-giving at Airedale, Nazim says: “This time round, the gift-giving was is in honour of Caliph Abu Bakr Siddique (may God be pleased with him) – the successor to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
“Caliph Abu Bakr Siddique (may God be pleased with him) passed away in Jumada Al-Akhirah (sixth month of the Islamic calendar), which we are currently in. He was renowned for his tireless work, during his short reign, of looking after the needs of the poor and needy.”
As a Muslim, Nazim is passionate about reaching out to not just Muslims, but also the wider communities.
“As ever, we were determined to carry this initiative on to spread goodness and positivity, to coincide with the festive Christmas period,” Nazim explains.
“We dropped off over 30 gifts at the Childrens Ward 17 of Airedale Hospital. Gifts included things like cuddly toys, play sets and toys for babies.
“It was a gesture of kindness, and to show that members of the wider community that Muslims do care and think about them (poorly children), and ultimately uplifting spirits.
“Overall it is the 39th gift-giving to hospital children’s wards over the last 11 years.
“The gifts are for all children in the ward irrespective of faith. The essence of being a Muslim has the universal concept of kindness and compassion to all particularly those in need.
“It is these values that bring all people together regardless of belief and we hope we have achieved this at some level. It is a period where we should reflect and support the most vulnerable in society.”
Nazim expressed his gratitude to Shiraz and Fairaz Ahmed of Bradford-based Saveco Cash & Carry for their kind and selfless on-going support.
Shiraz Ahmed (Managing Director, Saveco Cash & Carry) said, “We are truly humbled to once more to support the fabulous toy gifts initiative started by Nazim, who does so much to help others.
“Knowing that so many children will be joyous and excited upon receiving their presents fills myself and Fairaz with inner happiness and contentment.
“This initiative, and the other charitable initiatives we support, such as food banks, sponsoring soup kitchens, junior football teams and so forth, is all part of our corporate social responsibility as a Bradford-based business to give back to society. It is something Fairaz and I passionately believe in.”
Friend’s Mohammed Azeem and Haji Adnan Fiaz helped Nazim out during this round of gift-giving.
Mohammed Azeem says: “It was a great honour to have been once more asked to attend with my friend Nazim Ali, who never stops helping others; and to support the fabulous work of the caring staff in the NHS, which I have first hand experience of.”
Karen Reece (Play Leader at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust) commented: “We are once more extremely grateful for Nazim’s generous donation through Saveco Cash & Carry.
“The toys will be a much needed distraction for children while they are in hospital. Thank you for thinking of us once again, we appreciate your continued support.”
