SHAFAQNA- A group which works to tackle Islamophobia has donated tens of thousands of pounds for the families affected by the Manchester Arena attack.
Grassroots group Muslim Engagement and Development has handed over £38,000 to the Manchester Emergency Fund.
Hundreds of donations were given to the group in the wake of the atrocity last May.
Comedian Russell Brand – a long standing supporter of MEND – also donated the profits from one of his gigs to boost the appeal.
Dr Siema Iqbal, chair of the MEND Manchester working group, said members were keen to support those affected by the attack.
She said: “We decided to set up a fundraising page and within days we had raised £38,000 so we were really delighted to be able to give the cheque to the Red Cross this morning.”
The grassroots not-for-profit organisation, run by volunteers who work to tackle Islamophobia, offers an advisory service to those who have suffered religious discrimination.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Red Cross at their offices in Manchester , Kerry Threadgill said: “On behalf of everyone at the British Red Cross, I would like to say a huge thank you to all at MEND for their incredible generosity and support.
“The amazing total they have raised will make a huge difference in supporting those who were affected by the Manchester attack and their families.
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