Grand Charity Dinner: A Night of Purpose and Pride
An evening of unity and generosity unfolded on December 13th (2024), as Islamia Schools hosted their Grand Charity Dinner. The student-led fundraiser was held in support of vulnerable children in Lebanon through the READ Foundation, as well as struggling students closer to home via the Yusuf Islam Foundation Hardship Fund.
Our Grand Charity Dinner marked the end of the first term and was held in the Islamia Girls School gym. It was organised entirely by our Year 11 students from both Islamia Girls School and Brondesbury College for Boys. The event was a testament to their leadership, creativity, and unwavering dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
The dinner served as a powerful fundraiser for two essential causes:
- The READ Foundation, supporting education for vulnerable children in Lebanon, and
- The Yusuf Islam Foundation Hardship Fund, which helps students facing financial hardship here at home.
In the face of ongoing crisis in Lebanon—where war has displaced families and destroyed schools—our students worked tirelessly to respond with compassion. Many children there are now without homes or access to education, and this event stood in solidarity with them, offering hope and support through education.
Closer to home, the recent changes in government policy have placed further strain on families already struggling with rising costs. Funds raised on the night will help ensure that no student in our community is left behind due to financial pressure. The Yusuf Islam Foundation has pledged to cover half of this year’s VAT-related increases, and the new Hardship Fund will ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Hosted by Naeem Raza, the evening featured a three-course dinner, presentations by our School Councils, and heartfelt entertainment courtesy of Firas. It was a night that brought parents, staff, and students together—not just to enjoy an elegant evening, but to stand behind the efforts of our Year 11s and the causes they championed.
We are proud to announce that £50,000 was raised on the night, while online donations and further fundraising has brought the sum raised to just over £1,010.00, including £196.75 in Gift Aid. Our JustGiving page Hope for Lebanonis still receiving donations.
Donation Summary
- Total Raised: £1,010.00
- Online: £910.00
- Offline: £100.00
- Gift Aid: £196.75
Our enterprising students limited the event to 160 seats, which sold out within weeks! Tickets went for £35 per person, while groups reserved tables for ten at £300. If you were unable to attend but would like to support this important campaign, you can still do so:
- Donate online: https://www.justgiving.com/page/hopeforlebanon
- Or send a cheque payable to READ Foundation, delivered to the school office.
At Islamia Schools, we are proud to be nurturing young leaders and building a legacy of hope—both abroad and within our own classrooms.
