Dawoodi Bohras raise money to feed needy in New York

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The Dawoodi Bohra community in Queens, New York, has stepped up its efforts to support members of society hardest hit by COVID-19, and also support essential and frontline workers during this global pandemic.

Members of the community recently raised money for a local food pantry managed by the One Way Church of Christ in Springfield Gardens, Queens, which provides staple food items to locals in need, regardless of background or faith, according to a press release.

A total of $7,903 were collected and donated by the Dawoodi Bohra community, which were used to purchase and distribute more than 400 bags of groceries to those in need. The funds were also used to deliver groceries to the homes of the elderly and those with special needs.

Taha Adib, a spokesperson for the Dawoodi Bohra community of New York, said, “The leader of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community, His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, sent a message to all Bohra community members to extend help to those who are hungry and in need, and so Bohra volunteers in New York have mobilized to do just that.”

In addition, to show appreciation for essential workers during this time, members of the community delivered pizza from a local restaurant to local police (NYPD 113th Precinct) and the fire department (FDNY EMS Station 54).

This is part of a coordinated Bohra effort in over 500 communities throughout the world to assist local food drives, as well as support and show appreciation for emergency staff.

Taha Adib continued, “We cannot predict when this crisis will be over but we’re committed to stepping up to help vulnerable members of society, while supporting the people working tirelessly on the frontline who selflessly ensure that everyone is safe and cared for. We have ensured that, in providing this support, we followed all advisories issued by local governments and health authorities regarding social distancing and the safe handling of food. Importantly, the Dawoodi Bohras will continue to support the needy and vulnerable in Queens and New York well after the pandemic has subsided.”

For many years, Dawoodi Bohras in New York – like Bohras throughout the world – have regularly organized food drives to tackle hunger, malnutrition, and food waste in society. Bohras believe that nobody should go to bed hungry and that it is their duty to help vulnerable members of society.

This initiative is part of Project Rise, a wide-ranging global philanthropic program established by the Dawoodi Bohras to improve the lives of the less fortunate in many different ways, the release said.