A Sizzling Summer Eid Party
On Saturday 7th August, 120 people attended a HHUGS’ party, celebrating Eid-al-Adha, in East London. You may have attended, supported HHUGS in making it happen, or you just want to know how the party went; whatever your reason is – welcome!
It was a glorious day in East London; the sun was beaming and everyone was in a celebratory mood. The aroma of good food, the sound of good conversation and the patter of children chasing balloons, set the tone for the party. It was an opportunity for HHUGS families to socialise, unwind and connect with others.
“It improved our emotional well-being by being able to socialise and be entertained.”
For HHUGS families struggling, or facing difficult situations, taking care of their own well-being and mental health is often put on a back burner. Every day remains the same, and the light at the end of the tunnel grows dimmer. It is difficult to socialise, as many friendships end, families are broken, and single mothers are ashamed to attend to face their community.
“Alhamdulillah. Having people in similar situations understanding your circumstances (sic).”
But HHUGS’ Eid parties present an opportunity for families to enjoy themselves for a few hours, free from judgement and surrounded by people that understand and sympathise with them. They don’t need to explain their story, hide away from their reality or protect their children from bullying.
“It made me less stressed, as I was advised on what to do with issues I was facing.”
“The party made a positive impact on our emotional wellbeing.”
For HHUGS’ staff, it also presents an opportunity to connect with families, and see first-hand the impact their work has. Seeing the beneficiaries face to face and connecting with them, helps reinforce the drive as to why the work of HHUGS is important, and how the Eid parties are a pinnacle part of creating connections with those whom HHUGS support. Our Female Caseworker talks about her experience at the Eid party, and the importance of them.
“It’s great to be able to be involved in a cause such as this one. You can see the effect this has on so many people. I have had beneficiaries come up to me personally and say how much that they look forward to these parties, and that each one is better than the last. If that is the effect it has on people, then it should keep on occurring.”
We aim to make it an Eid party to remember, and help families build happy memories. We decided to make the most of the warm weather and have an ice-cream station where children (and of course adults) could choose from a variety of ice-creams, toppings and sauces. The choice of ice-creams was: Strawberry Cheesecake, Madagascan vanilla, Honeycomb, Cookies and Cream, Chocolate and Bubblegum. Of course, the bright blue Bubblegum ice-cream was a hit with the kids.
We wanted to keep the children entertained, so we decided to book a children’s entertainer who made science fun! Our Female Caseworker talks more about how it went:
“For the kids, we had hired an entertainer which actually comprised of 3 women who ran a science workshop, where they did a few experiments and made slime. The children were engaged and focused. This allowed their parents to enjoy some fun time of their own and take part in the quiz. There was also ice cream, which I think everyone enjoyed, children and adults alike.”
She talks more about the quiz which she created and managed. Whilst the children played, she got the competition going amongst the sisters!
“I prepared the quiz. I found it quite enjoyable to find different questions online. A lot of them, I didn’t even know the answer to myself! It was nice to see the ladies having a good time. We have some very competitive beneficiaries, but it’s all good fun. I think next time I will use a microphone; my throat was sore by the end!
The party was a hit, ending with young stomachs filled with ice-cream, (probably bubblegum flavoured), heads filled with wacky science, hands filled with henna, and mothers feeling uplifted and connected.
“Alhamdulilah, my family enjoyed it and it’s good to be with the muslimeen.”
“It was lovely to meet all the sisters.”
Without your support, we wouldn’t have could throw HHUGS families these memorable parties. Once again, you have given forgotten families a space to connect and unwind and filled young hearts with joy.
Sheep-filled popcorn, brownies and Qurbani
The lead-up to Qurbani in the HHUGS office is always a hectic one. Deliveries, meat distribution, and Eid gifts is on everyone’s mind. Our Fundraising Team work hard to get the Qurbani target met, and the Beneficiary Team work hard making sure that the beneficiaries receive it. Each team, works in unison with the other, with the support of our generous donors, to make sure Eid a celebration to remember.
The generosity of our supporters never ceases to amaze us. You stuck with HHUGS families through the pandemic, through a socially distanced Ramadhan, and now even through the current cost of living crisis. Although there were cheaper options available, 115 of you still chose to raise the bar and perform your Qurbani with HHUGS; providing over 2063kg of meat in total; which was distributed amongst 545 people – 358 adults and 153 children in 213 HHUGS’ families for this Eid and beyond; a rare treat for many.
By gifting your Qurbani to single mothers in HHUGS households, you provided them with meals for her family. They no longer spend the day worrying about how they will provide dinner for her young.
“I was shocked when I saw the generous amount of meat delivered to our house last weekend, subhan Allah! I divided it into smaller portions and each bag was beautiful quality meat. Since our loved one was arrested last year I’ve had to cut right back on extras like meat because there are many additional demands now on our low income, sending him money for phone calls and other essential items, travel costs to visit him, his clothing, books, paying off his bills etc. Having meat again in the freezer is something we will all benefit from during the months ahead and at each meal we will remember HHUGS and all those who donated to HHUGS for this generous gift. May Allah swt reward you all and always keep us humble and dependent on Him alone.”
“MashAllah Qurbani was in excellent condition.”
Your kind gesture means the world to them. We were also able to distribute sweet treats for the whole family to enjoy!
“Alhamdulillāh, we cannot thank HHUGS enough for what we received. The cakes went down a treat with the little ones in the family.”
“The brownies I received were amazing and delicious. I shared them on Eid day, with extending family and everyone loved them. Great choice.”
You have changed their lives for the better. Reminding them that they do matter, and making Eid a celebration that brings happiness and warmth.
“Your gifts are perfect and all you do. I appreciate the help immensely. I can’t explain in words the positive impact you have had to mine and my son’s life. Jzk for your patience and help.”