Wajiha’s Big Iftar Challenge

Last Ramadan, Wajiha Rafiq organised an Iftar at Winnerish Community Centre, in Workingham. She had a guest turnout of 110 people, comprising of 20 families. Together they raised £1,360 for IKCA’s Big Iftar Challenge!

‘It was a one dish event,’ explained Wajiha, ‘Each family, brought one dish to share, and there were sweets for sale. One family even donated organic eggs, which we also sold on the night.’ When asked if she received support from IKCA, Wajiha Rafiq confirmed that she had, and it made all the difference. ‘IKCA provided us with marketing material, flyers, pens, balloons and a bucket for donations.’

So why did this mother of two from Berkshire decide to take part in the IKCA BigIftar Challenge? ‘My journey with IKCA started in 1992,’ says Wajiha, ‘when I participated in the historic fundraising campaign when Imran Khan visited my school in person. My husband and I continued supporting the Hospital over the years and I was lucky enough to win the IKCA Prize Draw in 2018, to visit Shaukat Khanum Hospital in Lahore. There, I was amazed to witness the great way in which this Hospital is working as an organization.’

On her return to the UK, Wajiha explains how she started dedicating more time into raising awareness of IKCA’s work, and the plight of cancer patients in Pakistan. ‘After visiting the hospital, and meeting with all the staff, I know for sure that my efforts are not in vain and I am contributing towards a great cause,’ She said. ‘It is the most amazing feeling to know that you are sending money to your country, to your people and the funds are being spent on deserving cancer patients.’

Organising a Big Iftar Challenge for Ramadan 2019 then, was a natural progression from all of her awareness raising work. When asked if she would do it again, Wajiha doesn’t stop to think, detailing how satisfying it was to bring the community together for such a good cause during the blessed month. ‘I would like to request everyone to organise an Iftar this Ramadan, because with upcoming projects, they need your support now more than ever. I can assure all the donors that their contribution are being put to the best possible use and really helping the people who need it most.’

This Ramadan our Iftar will be in the time of Corona: As we encourage donors and supporters to stay safe by staying home this Ramadan, we’re also giving them the chance to turn an ordinary family iftar into an opportunity to feed poor cancer patients at Shaukat Khanum Hospital. Find out more.