Madad began life in Bedford in 1981 as the Hira Islamic Centre. Local Muslims established the charity to create a place of worship.
After its founder, Imam Irshad Ali, died in 2020, it broadened its mission as Madad UK to help people of every faith and none.
Our new shop is trading at Unit 16 in the Harpur Centre, next to Boots Opticians. On Saturday, 17 October at 12.30 pm, Bedford Borough Mayor Tom Wootton will officially open it. Everyone is welcome.
More than a charity shop
With many items priced between £1 and £5, the store offers affordable clothing and household essentials. Every donated item given a second life also means less waste.
But shopping is only part of the story. Madad provides emergency grants of up to £50 for essentials including food, utilities and clothing.
One person referred by Citizens Advice described how a grant for food and toiletries helped while they faced unemployment and health difficulties.
Fifty pounds may sound modest. At the right moment, it can help someone get through a difficult week with dignity.
Rooted in Bedford, open to everyone
Our Muslim heritage still inspires our belief in compassion and caring for neighbours. Today there is no religious requirement to seek help: Madad welcomes everyone, whatever their faith or background.
Volunteers have prepared the store, sorted donations and welcomed customers. We would love more local people to join them. For young volunteers, it can also be a first step towards work.
Our ambition is for each shop to support around 3,000 people annually, although that is a planning estimate, not an achieved result.
After opening in Watford last year, we hope to bring the same model to Luton and Milton Keynes.
Join us on Saturday 17 October
Please join us for our official opening at 12.30 pm. Meet the volunteers, browse the shop, donate good-quality items or ask how you can help.
If you need help, ask us. If you can help somebody else, join us.
For grants, visit madad.co.uk/grants or contact us via 07758 157051 or bedford@madad.co.uk.
This is a monthly guest column provided by
charities in Bedford Borough.
It is published unedited and does
not reflect the views of the Bedford Independent.
