Oldham trio raise more than £1,000 for community youth zone

Three warm-hearted local youngsters have raised more than £1,000 for the Madina Institute and Masjid Community Hub and its associated Youth Zone.

Aleeza (13), Mariam (10) and Laiba (7) sprung their ideas into action during Ramadan in a bid to support the Madina Institute and Masjid Community Hub where they attend the Youth Zone and other various activities.

The plan came together when they developed their love for sweets into a fully operational website, taking orders locally and progressing to offer nationwide delivery.

The weekends were taken up in Ramadan buying, packing, delivering and posting orders, some after a long day at school to ensure customers received their order the next day.

Aleeza, a pupil at Royton and Crompton Academy, said: "It's been a great journey and we've learnt so much along the way from building a website to fixing orders when couriers get them wrong."

Mariam and Laiba, who attend Blackshaw Lane primary school, added: "We all worked together as a team, Mariam was good at the maths and Laiba was good at packing."

The siblings wanted to help the charity based in Clarksfield as they continued to deliver key services during the lockdowns.

In particular, their food bank project.

Proud father Abdul Mateen said: "The girls took to creating Sweet Fairy very well. 

"It's a fabulous way for youngsters to focus their time and energy, build confidence and give something back to the Youth Zone. 

"It was a steep learning curve for them.  

"From selecting the ideal combination of sweets, packaging, weighing and working as a team to determine one another's strengths in the varying roles they had to participate in to make it a success.

"Their knowledge and understanding of increasing customer numbers via social media is expanding on a regular basis with the guidance of their uncle and mum. 

"They take pride in their work and are committed in providing an exceptional service to their customers and supporting their local community. 

"As a father I am proud of their achievements and pray for their success and hope that they excel in their new venture. 

"Charity work is the essence and bonding of our local community which spreads love and kindness throughout hearts as taught by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him)."

The siblings are continuing to take orders on their website: www.sweet-fairy.co.uk and have many more projects planned in the near future, such as supporting children in care and raising money for their school fund.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.