Educational Visit to the Peace Centre

Our closest stores have been supporting The Peace Centre food bank for a number of years and we have got to know Mohammed very well over the years.  He is an inspiring leader in the Centre and has worked hard to be a part of the the local community.  During the pandemic Mohammed and volunteers played a crucial role in delivering food across the Thurnby Lodge estate to many people who rely on their food bank.  No surprises, when I visited on Wednesday morning to see local people queuing across the car park, all in need of food.  Once inside, I was greeted by a group of regular volunteers, young people taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and young people on their half term break.  Every single person busy with their tasks to ensure that everyone gets food.  I got stuck in too, splitting the eggs between the number of people in families who are all known to them.  But the learning didn't stop there - once the food bank had closed its doors and everyone had left with enough food for the week, Mohammed invited me to observe midday prayers, which was a first for me.  After the prayers, Mohammed invited the volunteers and me to hear a presentation on his recent visit to Turkey, following the devastating earthquake.  It was a very educational day and I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to see all the incredible work that they do in the community.

I am looking forward to delivering one of our educational workshops at the coffee morning for the elderly and the two youth groups later in the year.