Immigrant Groups And Charitable Work

[allenlondon]

Odd that this topic seems contentious.

I think it's wonderful that groups such as Muslim Hands UK engage in much charitable work in this country, as well as their activities abroad. A clip on BBC London this lunchtime showed them giving out food to the hungry and homeless in Enfield, North London.

Similarly, other immigrant groups, both recent and from centuries back - the Sikhs, the Jews, the Hindus, the Buddhists, even the Christians (irony alert) - do huge amounts of good work, often unnoticed, usually not praised. A local Hindu group, for example, was delivering hot food to hospitals and care homes during the Covid crisis - and apart from the recipients, very few here knew about it.

The Sikhs and Hindus also both run 'open house' sessions, giving food to anyone who cares to turn up for a delicious meal.

The next time the anti-Islam brigade start shouting their propaganda on these columns, I think we should all shout louder, telling them what good work these decent people do in our communities.

[Mamyalynne]

Charitable works and caring and sharing within communities has no boundaries - it's wonderful to see people helping others as they always have.

[ToraToraTora]

are you pre-empting something here?

[allenlondon]

It is, Mamya, and in many ways even more so when they are 'in-comers' - strangers, who (so the story goes) 'keep themselves to themselves'. They DON'T keep themselves to themselves, that's the truth. They get involved, they help, they join in.

It's about time THIS was shouted out, not the usual rubbish!

[allenlondon]

No Tora. Don't you think it's a good thing, seeing 'strangers' getting involved and helping their communities?

[Souldarkness]

Charity is an essential observance in many faiths.

[AuntPollyGrey]

TTT 'redeem' is the word I would use. Like I said - a proper piece of work he is lol!

[dannyk13]

//Charity is an essential observance in many faiths.//
And ignored by many of the faithful.

[AuntPollyGrey]

Allen. Who the heck calls Muslims, Sikhs or whatever 'Strangers' in this day and age? If you live where you say you do they will be anything but strangers -they will be neighbours!

[allenlondon]

Yes, Tora, you can infer (or imply - apparently the two words are interchangeable round here) whatever you like.

Make me a misogynist, a racist, a hypocrite, a proper piece of work, whatever you fancy!

Doesn't bother me, and the truth doesn't enter into it!

A

[woofgang]

I have never seen anybody on here criticise charitable work done by antbody.

[Atheist]

I've seen criticism of overseas aid, by those who believe that charity starts at home. I'm sure I've seen some comments about charities wasting money on admin etc. I don't recall criticism of religious groups helping the public in times of need.

[AuntPollyGrey]

woofgang Neither have I but if it suits Allens agenda.......

[Mozz71]

//Who the heck calls Muslims, Sikhs or whatever 'Strangers' in this day and age?//

I've seen them called much worse on here Polly. Might be good for us all to remember them as neighbours rather than strangers the next time some ABer calls for them to go back where they came from.

I agree with Mamya and Woofy, ALL charity work, those who give to the needy, is commendable.

[Atheist]

APG, it's not difficult to feel annoyed sometimes by comments here. For example TROP. It may not amount to 'shouting propaganda', but it does set a certain disrespectful and unfriendly tone, and continuous repetition can be as bad as occasional insults.

[Mozz71]

Of course, when Marcus Rashford campaigns to help children from disadvantaged families, it's "virtue signalling".

[Atheist]

I've even occasionally lost my rag with TTT. I suppose that's how lockdown can turn the meekest of us into snarling beasts.

[allenlondon]

I'll be meek in future, Atheist. No more grrr for me.

[ToraToraTora]

allen: "No Tora. Don't you think it's a good thing, seeing 'strangers' getting involved and helping their communities? " - yes I do but I'm puzzled as to the idea behind this post, you seem to be trying to pick some sort of fight, though with whom I cannot comprehend.

[Mozz71]

And by pushing back Tora, you're risking giving him what he wanted. Best to walk away.

[Atheist]

Sorry, TTT, there's no fight going on here; there's a rowdy bunch over there by the jukebox, though, maybe you can have a 'discussion' with them.