Ramadan Campaign
Together, we can make sure that no family in Scotland has to face the devastating loss of their child alone. Your contribution can make a difference.
Join us in supporting families in need.
With your help this Ramadan, we can ensure that no family in Scotland faces the death of their child alone. Families like Sabeel's.
Baby Sabeel, also known as Beeli Bear, was born with Pompe disease in 2002, a condition that weakens the muscles and makes it difficult to breathe. Sabeel spent her first three years in and out of the hospital until her family discovered CHAS. CHAS provided both medical and respite care for Sabeel at Robin House, giving her mother, Saiqa, the opportunity to spend time with her other children, Ali and Faraz.
Saiqa, Sabeel's mum, said:
"It was hard at first to let go of Sabeel’s care because she was so fragile but once I did, it was amazing, and meant I could spend time with my boys knowing that Beeli was well looked after."
Sabeel's family visited CHAS during Ramadan. The family made Eid cards, decorations, traditional sweets, and talked about the story behind Ramadan and why Eid is celebrated.
Donations to CHAS help provide specialised medical and end-of-life care to children with life-shortening illnesses, allowing CHAS nurses and doctors to give each child and family tailored, loving care.
After a child has died, CHAS offers tailored support to the bereaved family. Non-denominational Chaplains provide spiritual and practical support, such as liaising with the mosque or other places of worship and helping families carry out any necessary religious protocols.
Saiqa said:
"The staff did their best to comfort me under the circumstances and Amanda, the Chaplain, arranged everything we needed from the death certificate to speaking to the mosque."
Every family will experience a bereavement in a different way. Your donations ensure we can provide each family with the tailored support that they need.
Saiqa said:
"I myself give Sadaqah to CHAS as I believe the care given to children with life-shortening conditions is something no other organisation can provide."
Why donate to CHAS?
Why is CHAS fundraising this Ramadan?
In 2020 we commissioned a study, CHiSP3, which told us that 3.9% of children from a South Asian background living in Scotland have a life-shortening condition. Those from a South Asian background are more likely to have a life-shortening condition than those from a white background. As a charity committed to reaching every child in Scotland with a life-shortening condition, we have launched this Ramadan campaign in an effort to raise awareness of CHAS within the Muslim South Asian communities in Scotland.
In 2019, we published our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy which outlines our resolution to make CHAS a more equal and equitable, diverse and inclusive place to work, volunteer, support, and access care from. In line with this Strategy, our Ramadan campaign aims to both diversify our supporter base and offer more inclusive fundraising and donating opportunities to Muslim people and communities living in Scotland.
Put simply, the more awareness of CHAS that we can raise and the more donations we receive, the more vital care we can provide to families in Scotland who need us.
Is this a Zakat fund?
No, this is not a Zakat fund. We are asking supporters for voluntary donations, or Sadaqah, to ensure that children and families who need our help can receive that vital care.
Where will my donation be going?
For every £1 donated, £0.76 will go towards providing medical and end-of-life care, respite, and support to dying children and their families all across Scotland. £0.24 will be spent on fundraising and governance of the charity to ensure that we can continue to be there for the children and families who need us.
You can read more about our income and spending in our 2021-22 Annual Report.
Will the funds be restricted to only Muslim families?
We are unable to restrict funds to Muslim families. As is our mission statement, the funds raised through this campaign will go towards providing care and support to every child with a life-shortening condition in Scotland, and their family, who needs help, regardless of who they are or their background.
How have Muslims been involved in the creation of this campaign?
Muslim families, staff, volunteers and partners were consulted with extensively ahead of the launch of this campaign. One CHAS parent said of the campaign:
"We think it is great that CHAS is running a Ramadan campaign and also hosting a party in the hospices for Eid in recognition of the many Muslim families supported by the charity. It is also a nice way of introducing them to each other."
Another said:
"I think it's great that CHAS is doing a Ramadan campaign as it's a good way of connecting with many Muslim families they support and also bringing them together."
I know someone who could benefit from CHAS's services. How can they get a referral?
We have an online referral form. We'll collect details about the child's condition and their palliative care needs and make a decision on whether our care is right for them based on our referral criteria.
"Without the help of staff from CHAS, I would have struggled to move on in life without my princess. Not a day goes by that I wish I still had Sabeel by my side. I miss her so much.
Robin House were a big part of my world and always will be. I will never forget what they have done for my family over the years. God bless them, our angels without wings."
Saiqa, Sabeel's mum
If you want to talk to someone about your own situation or find out more about our services, please get in touch: