Hampers, hotline and vouchers . . . Barbados Association of Muslim Ladies lends support

The Barbados Association of Muslim Ladies (BAML) has been playing its part in helping needy families and frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BAML has been working with Muslim-owned businesses, community groups and volunteers to reach those most affected.

The Association’s Founder Firhaana Bulbulia told Barbados TODAY that every year before the start of Ramadan, also known as Muslims’ fasting month, BAML provides hampers of non-perishable food items to single-parent households, widows, vulnerable families and the elderly.

She said this year the Association continued assisting families in need and expanded its efforts as a result of the ongoing pandemic which has resulted in hundreds of job losses.

“In light of COVID-19, we have expanded our efforts, with the intention to reach 100 families through the provision of food vouchers. Our collection of monetary donations is ongoing. However, we have already received tremendous support from several Muslim-owned businesses including Belleville Auto Spares, Amir’s Chicken and S Y Adam and Son. Vouchers will be distributed before the start of our fasting month on April 24th,” she said.

Bulbulia also explained that BAML launched a hotline specifically for Muslim women and girls who may be experiencing abuse, or escalated anxiety, depression, and or emotional distress. She said two qualified Muslim female counsellors have volunteered to respond to the hotline requests.

“In partnership with Couple Six Coffee, we responded to a request via the COVID Volunteer-Barbados Facebook Page for provision of snack items for frontline workers. We provided 30 snack packages to frontline workers at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

“As a member of the National Organization of Women, BAML receives requests to assist with the provision of food items to women most at need. Where possible, we contribute through the provision of food items,” Bulbulia said. (AH)