Giving with love

Students Madina, Zainab and Ruqaiya wrapping and packing gifts for the drive. Photo by Damjan Janevski. 235600_02

Michaela Meade

Al Siraat College in Epping is running a gift drive in celebration of Eid Ul Fitr.

Eid Ul Fitr is a celebration that takes place after the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

This year, the Eid celebration is from the evening of Wednesday, May 12 until the evening of Thursday, May 13.

After the drive was put on hold last year as a result of the pandemic, the school is thrilled to be running the event once again.

Teacher Noori Ahmad said the drive was important for the college to give back to the community.

“We are running this gift drive to help bring smiles to children who are facing hardships at this current time of living in Melbourne,” Ms Ahmad said.

“One of the college values we promote in school culture is benefiting others, and it teaches [pupils] the meaning of giving.

“[We want] to teach our [pupils] to appreciate the blessings of gifts they have in their lives, and how to share and care for other children who are less fortunate.”

The school has partnered with non-profit organisations the Zakat Foundation and Mercy Wings for the drive.

Teachers are encouraging participants to “give generously” in the drive, which involves picking a gift box of any size and “filling it with love”.

The drive end Monday, May 10.