The holy month of Ramadan is here, and as millions across the world unite to share moments of deep reflection and growth, the Lotus Flower has launched a new appeal to raise money for mothers we support.

We're aiming to raise at least £6,000 in donations so that vulnerable and single mothers can buy their children celebratory Eid outfits to commemorate the end of Ramadan. Being in a camp is endlessly tough, so many mothers want to recreate experiences they once had at home for their own children to enjoy. But for many years now, they have been unable to provide any Eid celebrations, and the pandemic has only worsened their financial situation. So when we were asked if we could help this year by many of the mothers, we were inspired to launch this appeal.

We aim to support 200 children across three camps, bringing a sense of hope and happiness and a longed-for taste of normality to these mothers and children.

This year, Eid begins on May 11th, bringing four weeks of dawn-to-dusk fasting to a close. While Eid sees some Muslims all over the globe dress in their finest clothes and present gifts to their children, there is an acute lack of money and resources for women within refugee and IDP camps. After years of conflict which has seen them lose their homes and incomes, many of the women we support find that providing even the most basic food and clothing for their children is a real stretch. Joining in with the Eid celebrations is something most simply cannot afford. Lots of women also find this time of year difficult as they pause to remember loved ones who are still missing or were killed in the ISIS atrocities. And the fact they still cannot return home after all these years brings additional emotional complexity to the annual customs around Ramadan.

In our appeal, were hoping to raise at least £6,000 within 20 days, which will mean many women can share the joys of Eid with their children. Fahima, pictured above, is just one Syrian refugee we support, and she and her young family will be hugely appreciative of your donations.

Just £30 per child will allow mothers to buy a full Eid outfit. Heres what your donation will help buy:

For boys:

£3 will buy socks and a bag

£7 will buy shoes

£10 will buy a shirt

£10 will buy jeans or trousers

For girls:

£6 will buy a bag and accessories

£7 will buy shoes

£17 will buy a dress or trousers and top

Please help us hit our target by donating whatever you can afford; no matter how small. Do share this page with others too it will mean such a lot to us and to so many mothers like Fahima if we can reach our goal

With love and thanks from all of us at the Lotus Flower.

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The Lotus Flower is a restricted fund operating under the auspices of Prism the Gift Fund, Registered Charity Number: 1099682