A HECKMONDWIKE man, who helped raise £1 million for community projects, has been recognised with a British Citizen Award.
Entrepreneur Mohammed Shakeel Faraz has been passionate about making changes in his local community over the last five years.
One of his first projects involved handing out free food parcels, which he initially funded himself, but after realising the level of need in the area he began fundraising.
He and a team carried out charity car washes, barbecues and auctions, raising almost £1 million for various projects between them.
Mr Faraz, a director of Fastrack Solutions in Liversedge, was selected to receive the honour for services to the community and received the coveted BCA medal of honour in a ceremony at the Palace of Westminster.
When the need for the food parcel delivery service increased during the first lockdown, Mr Faraz funded the opening of a local food bank. He also decided to run a hot meal service every Sunday.
In addition, he delivers hundreds of Christmas presents to children’s wards throughout West Yorkshire each year, as well as making some wishes come true for the terminally ill.
The entrepreneur said: “It is a great honour for me to receive this special recognition and be able to bring this certificate of honour back to my hometown Heckmondwike.
“I want to thank everyone who nominated me. I’d like to take this opportunity to also say The Magic Wishing Well Charity is not a one-man team, it is a team made up of trustees, hundreds of volunteers and project managers.
“Due to this, we are able to fulfil the needs of thousands of individuals in our community each year.”
Jonny McQuarrie, from BCA partner One Stop, said: “This year’s medallists have reminded us of how many amazing people are supporting our communities, especially during such a challenging time.
“At One Stop we serve many communities across the country, and we know how important voluntary work is to support those in need.
“We're proud to be partnering with the BCA again and to play a small part in helping each medallist to be recognised. Our congratulations go to all honourees.”
The British Citizen Award, dubbed ‘The People’s Honours’, is now in its eighth year and aims to recognise exceptional individuals who positively impact their communities throughout the country.
The medal presentation was hosted by TV presenter Tim Vincent and attended by BCA patron Dame Mary Perkins and Baroness Caroline Cox.
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