UK Muslims Donate 10 Tons Of Food To Homeless, 90% Of Whom Are Non-Muslims

London Muslims have donated 10 tonnes (1 tonne = 1000 kg) to the homeless across religion in a charity drive organised by Muslim Aid and the East London Mosque in Whitechapel. Hundreds visited the mosque's Friday prayers bringing food donations.

Muslim Aid CEO @jehangirmalik w/ headteacher of @LEastAcademy, along with the local priest & Imam & our volunteer Fatma. #BigFoodDrive pic.twitter.com/AEgPmkdgeV

¡ª Muslim Aid UK (@Muslim_Aid) December 16, 2016

Homeless charity Crisis will distribute the good, and over 90% will go to non-Muslims. Supplies donated by local businesses, homes, colleges and universities includes include rice, pasta, cereal, tinned goods and other items.

Dilowar Khan, Executive Director of the East London Mosque told Telegraph UK: "It was heart-warming to see so many people bringing food to the Mosque and a good sign of our common humanity. We need to build on this and make sure that we support those less fortunate all year round."

A huge thank you to the boys from @LEastAcademy who donated several boxes of food items towards @Muslim_Aid #BigFoodDrive. pic.twitter.com/3aizNRCE3q

¡ª Muslim Aid UK (@Muslim_Aid) December 16, 2016

Jehangir Malik, Chief Executive of Muslim Aid, said: "With austerity cuts and the housing crisis, more and more people are ending up on the streets - destitute.

"We, as a Muslim charity, want to do everything we can to help the most vulnerable people in this country this Christmas, regardless of faith or background. "In the cold winter months when we have the luxury of a home and hot food, it's easy to forget about others that are in dire need around us. So it is in that spirit we take part in this big food drive."

Muslim Aid staff/volunteers with the local priest at today's #BigFoodDrive for the homeless. #ServingHumanity #Interfaith pic.twitter.com/tr1v72gu3W

¡ª Muslim Aid UK (@Muslim_Aid) December 16, 2016

Leaders of other religious groups backed the drive. These include Christian Reverend Gary Bradley who said the event was an example of "all faiths working together for a common humanity". Ian Richards, Head of Crisis at Christmas, said: "Every year, Crisis opens its doors to thousands of homeless people, offering a safe, warm welcome with food and companionship, as well as access to vital services and year-round opportunities.