Ramadan activities, Egypt

The aims

Providing food parcels for people in need through the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The story

Traditionally, Ramadan is not only a time when Muslims fast, but also a time for giving – and it highlights the plight of people who do not have enough to eat at any time of the year.

In 2007, Barclays donated funds to buy enough food parcels for 4,000 people. Colleagues from Barclays Cairo head office and 10 branches across the country then worked with local organisation Wilad Misr to prepare and distribute these much-needed meals.

A charity tent was also set up, providing 6,000 disadvantaged people with daily meals after sunset – the time at which fasting Muslims may eat during Ramadan.

Results to date

Barclays colleagues dedicated 180 hours of their time to preparing the food parcels. At the Ramadan charity tent, disadvantaged members of the community such as elderly or disabled people were offered daily meals.