Blackburn Rovers teamed up with two local charities to distribute food hamper to refugee communities.
Rovers handed out 73 hampers, in partnership with Morrisons, to ARC (Asylum and Refugee Community) and DARE (Darwen Asylum and Refugee Enterprise) as part of recent Eid celebrations.
The donation by Blackburn Rovers, was supported by distribution through the IMO charity, follows on from Rovers’ Ramadhan initiative, where the club delivered over 500 meals and hampers to 12 families living on a street in Darwen who were taking part in a one-day fast in support of their Muslim neighbours.
Yasir Sufi, Integration Manager at Blackburn Rovers, said: “Blackburn Rovers is the heartbeat of the community and the football club plays a massive role in supporting the local community.
“We delivered over 1,000 food hampers to families in need over the past six months during Christmas and Ramadhan, and our Community Trust delivered over 40,000 meals by supporting the town’s Foodbank during lockdown.
“OneRovers is part of our DNA and our philosophy at Blackburn Rovers, which is all about celebrating diversity. Everyone is different in their own way, so it is important for us to recognise that, celebrate it together and bring people closer by understanding each other better.”
Syd Soge, ARC Blackburn Manager, added: “ARC Blackburn is so grateful to Blackburn Rovers for kindly donated food hampers of fresh fruit, vegetables and groceries for our asylum-seeking clients as part of Eid-Al-Adha celebrations.
“With a small basic allowance of a little over £5 per day to live on, every little bit helps for our families. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful supporters of ARC.”
Salma, IMO engagement officer, added: “At IMO, we’re truly grateful to support Blackburn Rovers to help them distribute the hampers to our families we work with.
“The food was so well received and each and every one was touched by the gesture. The football tops went down a treat too and the excitement was evident on the young men’s faces. It left me feeling quite emotional yet hopeful.
"There is so much pain behind each story, yet they are so grateful and humble. A massive thank you to Blackburn Rovers for their wonderful gesture.”
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