The Iron Heart Foundation
There are so many people in need and so many challenges that require solutions. This is the natural order of things. The flip side of this, is that we will never be short of opportunities to fulfil our duty of charity. Charity or sadaqa in Arabic manifests in all forms, small and big; from a greeting shared between two people to a large non-profit organisation that effects positive change on a broad level. Giving of yourself, even if it is just to one person – with an intention that ends with our Creator, should be part of our lives, bringing communities together to build a support network.
So, how does one bring the community together in order to help those in need?
It was this question that was the catalyst for a few young women to establish what is known as The Iron Heart Foundation, a community upliftment initiative based in Surrey Estate, Athlone. Comprised of first-year students completing Zahraa Institute’s Qur’an Focus Course, the foundation has proactively reached out to their community to better the lives of others in need.
Projects to date
Mass Iftar and Back-to-School Drive
Initial programmes that The Iron Foundation were involved in included a mass Iftar (breaking of fast) held by SANZAF (South Africa National Zakah Fund) for the orphanages of the Athlone area in Cape Town. The foundation asked the community for donations and as a result was able to create 100 party packets to the delight of countless orphans. In addition, the foundation ran a much-needed back-to-school drive in which they donated stationery and lunch boxes to the grateful children and administrators of the St Francis Home and Youth Centre.
Games in the Park
As a way to bring the community together, the foundation organised a games day in the Durr Road Park. This initiative, which they plan to make a regular thing was successful. The park, which is usually empty was filled with playing children. The whole idea behind the Games Day was to bridge the gap between generations. The older generation taught the children how to play the games they played in their youth., such as Kerrem, I declare, Kimberly Jimm and many more. Altogether it was a fun day!
Pre-Ramadaan Drive
The latest initiative run by The Iron Heart Foundation was a pre-Ramadaan drive. The idea behind this drive was to put food on the table for fasting orphanages that may not have otherwise. Non-perishable donations were collected and donated to the Ihata Women’s Shelter and St. Francis Youth Home.
Support their latest projects!
The Madeniyah Project
In aid of sister Madeniyah Gallie, this project aims to raise the required funds to assist sister Madeniyah to perform Umrah in December 2018, insha’Allah. As a student at the Al-Waagah Islamic Institute for the Deaf, sister Madeniyah has been sponsored to perform Umrah, with the institute sponsoring half the required amount and the student responsible for providing the rest of the funds. However, sister Madeniyah and her family cannot afford to pay the required funds and therefore The Iron Heart Foundation has pledged to help her achieve this once in a lifetime opportunity. Various fundraisers are planned to help her.
Support this project and others set for 2018 by contacting the foundation directly (details below) and following their Facebook page for regular updates.
For more information:
Contact: Saadiqua 074 645 4444 | Ameerah 074 251 0103
Email: ironheart.SAY@gmail.com
Follow: @TheIronheartFoundation on Facebook
