A BRADFORD humanitarian activist started his 2023 distributing aid to refugees in France and Belgium.
Nazim Ali from Bradford went to refugee camps in Calais and Dunkirk between December 30, 2022, and January 2, 2023.
Through a charity organisation based in Dewsbury, SKT, a team of six took two vans loaded with blankets to make winter easier for refugees.
- Interested in local family events and activities, and want to connect with other local families? Join our new Bradford Families Facebook group
The deployment was in memory of his friend Shiraz Ali Shah Bukhari who died six years ago at the age of 33.
Nazim said: “We went to France & Belgium together with SKT Welfare in Sept 2015 to distribute humanitarian aid to refugees in France & Belgium with Shah Gee driving one of the vans.
“Therefore, my recent journey was tinged with sadness and emotion as I kept thinking of him and know if he was alive, he would have been on the frontline distributing humanitarian aid.”
The group distributed 550 blankets whilst they were there and the further 250 blankets would be donated In their absence.
Nazim added: “It was wet, windy and cold.
“I was profoundly shocked to find refugees staying in tents next to railway lines, overgrown fields and jungle-like conditions.
“The refugees I encountered were mainly from Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Sudan & Eritrea.
“I met young families with children and was thinking how will they survive the harsh winter living in tents.”
“It was heart-warming to put smiles on the refugees faces, showing that we care about them and their plight.
“I am grateful to SKT Welfare for organising this deployment and giving me the opportunity to go with them.”
Nazim has been at the forefront of community and humanitarian initiatives for the past 25 years and spends time volunteering at local and international initiatives.
He has raised over £630,000 for charitable causes in Bradford and abroad.
Nazim said: “I am eternally thankful to the donors for their kind donations and ongoing support which is humbling.
“It is because of you I am able to do what I do and would not be possible without you. God bless you all.”
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.
Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.
Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk, contact us here or call us on 01274 705292.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here