London based charity PL84U is all set to host a multi-faith Community Iftar in a shopping centre in Walthamstow, Waltham Forest on Sunday, 16 April.

Iftar is the meal that Muslims who are fasting during the month of Ramadan share together to break their fast once the sun sets. PL84U are hosting an Iftar for people of all faiths in Waltham Forest, one of London’s most diverse boroughs.

Wanis International Foods, Waltham Forest’s largest employer, has donated food for the Iftar meal.

PL84U, whose founder Saira Begum has been invited to the King’s Coronation, has also joined forces with Leeds based charity The Akhirah Team. Some of their volunteers will travel to London to run to the Community Iftar as part of their Ramadan challenge to, whilst fasting, run 2,836 miles: the distance from Leeds to Aleppo – raising awareness of their fundraising to help those suffering in Turkey and Syria after February’s devasting earthquake.

The runner’s route will start at Wanis International Foods, and will pass a hotel housing some of the borough’s refugees, some of whom – including children – will walk or run the last mile to 17&Central Shopping Mall to be cheered over the finishing line.

A free vegetarian meal will be served at approximately 8pm following multi-faith prayers. There will be also be music and performances.

Stella Creasy, MP for Walthamstow, Dr. Debbie Weeks-Bernard, London’s deputy mayor for communities and social justice, Waltham Forest mayor Karen Bellamy and deputy lieutenant Major Jeremy Fern will be attending the event.

PL84U Al-Suffa is a cross community interfaith initiative based in Waltham Forest providing hot meals, companionships, food, and clothes to the elderly, homeless and individuals in need. Its founder Saira Begum Mir received a British Empire Medal for services to the borough and the charity was congratulated by Queen Elizabeth II for their ‘remarkable’ work during the pandemic.