MOSQUE RALLIES TO HELP VICTIMS OF FAMINE

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Mosque rallies to help victims of famine

An MP has visited one of the places of worship which rallied to his appeal to raise money for famine-struck Somalia.

Jon Ashworth, Leicester South MP, received a £500 cheque from the Darus Salam Mosque, Highfields, Leicester, in front of about 100 worshippers.

The money will be used towards the cost of a £3,000 ambulance.

Last year, Mr Ashworth encouraged all places of worship to raise cash to help the humanitarian efforts.

He said: "I am very pleased Darus Salam Mosque raised over £500 towards the cost of the ambulances for Somalia following my appeal to places of worship to raise funds for humanitarian efforts following the devastating famine in Somalia last year."

He said Leicester had close ties with Somalia so it was heartwarming so see such a good response.

Nizan Chowdhury, a trustee and general secretary of the Darus Salam Trust, said: "Darus Salam Mosque was honoured to be able to assist in this crucial appeal.

"The ambulances purchased will provide essential care to the citizens of Mogadishu."