17 & Central will be hosting local charity, PL84U AL SUFFA’s free Community Iftar Celebration on Sunday 16 April 2023. Both the charity and the shopping centre have issued an open invitation to their extended communities and look forward to welcoming guests for this special event.

The doors will open at 6.30 ready for a 7pm start. Iftar will begin at approximately 20.10 with guests being offered water and dates on arrival. This will be followed by congregational prayer, offered and led by a local Imams Shaykh Sanaullah Sethi and Hafiz Usama, Nasheed performances (devotional acapella poetry) and a delicious vegetarian meal. The family-friendly celebration is expected to last until 9pm.

Among those expected on the night and speaking are Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, London’s Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Madam Mayor, Councillor Karen Bellamy of Waltham Forest, Deputy Lieutenant Major, Jeremy Fern
LBWF Deputy Chief Executive, Shazia Hussain, Deputy Leader, Councillor Ahsan Khan, London-wide Assembly Member, Councillor Emma Best, Cabinet Commissioner for Culture, Councillor Rosalind Dore and 17 & Central General Manager, Gavin Cockayne.

Although the celebration is free of charge, any donations will be very gratefully received and will help support the PL8 4U AL SUFFA’s foodbank. Guests can reserve a place at the event via
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pl84u-al-suffa-community-iftar-tickets-543295691037.

Saira Begum Mir BEM, BCAc, PL8 4U AL SUFFA’s Founder and Executive Director, says: “Our Community Iftar Celebration is a wonderful opportunity for guests to make new friends and experience the feelings of community and generosity that are abundantly displayed during Ramadan. It’s also a fantastic way to connect with those from different cultures and backgrounds in our very diverse community. We are extremely grateful to 17 & Central for offering to host this important event for us.”

Although PL8 4U AL SUFFA and 17 & Central’s official partnership ended at the start of February, this is just one example of how the shopping centre is continuing to support the charity and work with them for the benefit of the wider Waltham Forest community.

Gwendolyne Lobo, 17 & Central’s Marketing Manager, comments: “After working closely with the charity over the last twelve months, we’re looking forward to hosting its Iftar celebration in April,” said Gwendolyne Lobo, 17 & Central’s Marketing Manager.

“Here at 17 & Central we are lucky to have such a diverse and hugely engaged community and would like to invite local people of all faiths (and none) to join us for the celebration. Those wanting to take part should dress modestly and bring their own prayer mats or picnic blankets as there will be no formal seating, while others (who may not want to join in with the prayers) are very welcome to observe and enjoy the food.”