PRESS RELEASE

8 November 2010

MUSLIMS JOIN POPPY APPEAL IN REMEMBRANCE OF FIGHT AGAINST EXREMISM

Press Enquries: Waqar Ahmad Ahmedi 07966 089 338 press@khuddam.org.uk

Young Muslims across England have rallied together to raise in excess of £20,000 for the Poppy Appeal in recognition of the valuable role Britain played in the fight against fascism.

The call has come from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association in recognition of the importance of the work of The Royal British Legion and the need to be ever vigilant to the threat of extremism.

More than 250 volunteers from the organisation were deployed at all Zone 1 train and tube stations in the city of London on Saturday 30th October and Monday 1st November.

Fahim Anwer, President of the AMYA which has over 6,000 members in the UK, said:

“We are delighted and proud to support the Poppy Appeal which provides financial, socail and emotional support to millions who have served or who are currently serving in the British Armed Forces, and their dependents.

“As Muslims living in the country it is our duty to honour those who risk life and limb for the protection of British citizens.”

Russell Thompson OBE, Director of Fundraising at The Royal British Legion, said:

“It is wonderful to have AMYA supporting us again this year. Not only are they providing us with a significant number of volunteer collectors for the Poppy Appeal, but they have also chosen the Legion as one of their charities of the year.”

(ends)

Notes to Editors:

1. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) UK is an auxiliary body of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association. The AMYA is committed to the spiritual, moral, intellectual and physical development of young Muslims.
2. The association has a regular programme of structured activities for the youth with a mix of academic, sporting, social welfare and charitable works which keeps its members engaged.
3. The purpose of all these activities is to engender the spirit of discipline and service to the wider community irrespective of people’s beliefs and backgrounds. The Ahmadiyya Muslim community’s motto ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’ underpins this ethos.