Charity night raises £65k for Palestine

A CHARITY night has raised £65,000 for struggling families in Palestine.

Charity Islamic Relief teamed up with Capital fundraisers The Well Foundation to hold an auction and dinner at the Royal Highland Centre.

The cash will be used for food, clothing, housing, medicine and clean drinking water.

MP George Galloway spoke at last week’s event, which was attended by more than 800 people and hosted by Habib Malik, head of Islamic Relief UK.

Items sold at the auction included football memorabilia, such as shirts signed by Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, and a signed book by legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. A number of Lothians businesses sponsored the event.

Akeel Umar, the event manager, said: “I feel overwhelmed, and it’s humbling to see the outpouring of people who are just willing to help on the night either through their financial support or by donating their skills, expertise and precious time.”