BRADFORD-based charity the Muslim Women’s Council, which supports Muslim women and girls in West Yorkshire, has been awarded £750 by online marketplace TaskRabbit.

The charity was one of five runners-up as part of the ‘TaskRabbit for Good’ initiative, which seeks to support community non-profits which enable those in need to find work and shelter.

The Muslim Women’s Council supports Muslim women and girls, considered by the government to be one of the most disadvantaged and disenfranchised groups in the UK.

With their mission to empower women for the benefit of society, they offer practical support ranging from a community helpline to providing hot meals to local people facing food poverty.

The increased pressure of the pandemic has boosted the need for their services, and the charity has gone from helping 6,000 individuals annually to around 1,000 individuals every month.

The Muslim Women’s Council will use the credit received from TaskRabbit to book skilled Taskers to support their Curry Circle Project, which serves and delivers food to homeless people and families facing food poverty across West Yorkshire.

Bana Gora, CEO of the Muslim Women’s Council, said: “The women and communities we support are particularly vulnerable during the pandemic, and face multiple disadvantages, including health inequalities, poverty, islamophobia, sexism, and racism.

“We’re so grateful for this support from TaskRabbit, as projects like the Curry Circle mean we are able to support and deliver food to those in need across West Yorkshire.”

Diana Rothschild, Head of TaskRabbit for Good, comments: “TaskRabbit for Good aims to give back to local communities by supporting grassroots organisations focused on helping those in need find work and a place to call home.

“After an incredibly tough year, our grants were more sought-after than ever, and we’re thrilled to be able to support charities like the Muslim Women’s Council so they are able to continue their vital work in supporting the local community.”

The TaskRabbit for Good initiative helps create meaningful work opportunities for those in need, connects volunteers to local non-profits and organises donation drop-offs.

Launched in 2018, TaskRabbit for Good has already supported 30+ community organisations, seen 18,000 bags of goods donated to charity and facilitated 740+ hours of voluntary service by TaskRabbit employees.

The popularity of TaskRabbit has seen a significant boost in the local Bradford area in recent months, with 20 fold year-on-year growth. The most popular tasks requested in the area were Furniture Assembly, Minor Home Repairs and Mounting.