TRADERS in Bournemouth have helped to raise more than £21,000 for the survivors of the Pakistan floods at a special Ramadan fast-breaking meal.

The fundraising iftar, organised by Islamic Relief was attended by 90 guests at Bournemouth Learning Centre last week and attracted local people as well as guests from further afield.

The first of its kind in Bournemouth, organisers are hoping that more will follow after the success of the initial event.

Salah Aboulgasem, a fundraiser for Islamic Relief said: “We hadn’t previously done anything like this in Bournemouth so we didn’t know what to expect from the crowd.

“Fortunately the people were really receptive and we managed to raise a staggering £21,000 from just 90 guests.

“This was our first fundraising dinner in Bournemouth, but hopefully the first of many.”

The highlight of the evening was a live conference call with aid worker Moadh Kheriji, who is currently working on the ground with Islamic Relief in Pakistan and showed moving images depicting the effects of the natural disaster.

Local businesses involved in the event included Eastern Eye, Momtaz, Makkah Food Stores, Ahmed Food Stores, Spice of India, Retro Lebanese Restaurant, E.Burch Jewellers as well as members of the Dorset Bengali Association and Iranian Community.

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