The earthquakes that hit western Afghanistan in October 2023 killed over 1000 people, destroyed over 20,000 homes and left countless families without livelihoods, livestock and crops. In October 2023, seven earthquakes struck the region, including a 5.9-magnitude earthquake 21 miles north of Herat, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake 20.5 miles north of Zindah Jan and another 6.3-magnitude earthquake 18 miles north of Zindah Jan, which is 26 miles west of Herat city. Months on, many families are still living in tents or sleeping in the open. Children and families without homes live in life-threatening conditions at night, with no way to heat their temporary shelters. In addition, families who have lost livelihoods and crops are at risk from hunger and malnutrition. They urgently need food, clean water and proper sanitation to prevent outbreak of disease. Children and families that are already suffering from conflict and humanitarian disasters, now face the winter without sufficient resources.

 In order to raise donations for this much needed cause, The Muslim forum have organised this fundraiser for this courageous group of Barclays colleagues to Climb up the O2 Arena in London to raise funds for this appeal. Colleagues taking part include Sultaan Mufid, Shahid Iqbal, Fatima Iqbal, Tanisha Dunbar, Ejaz Uddin, Mohammed Naeem, Sebasteen Sebamalainathan, Paraas Shah, Shariq Ali, Kristen Bailey, Artem Dedikin and Faraz Hasan.

We encourage you all to sponsor them generously and show your support for this groups bravery, in climbing up one of the most striking buildings in London’s skyline, whilst contributing to this worthy cause.

SKT Welfare is on the ground, providing warmth, food parcels and hygiene kits to thousands in need. SKT Welfare will conduct baseline assessments and deliver aid to the most needy families in Herat province (where every home was flattened), prioritising children, people with disabilities and women led households.

£135 Can provide a family with a heater and fuel to keep them warm 

£100 Can provide a family with blankets and mattresses

£50 Can provide a family with a food parcel for a month

£15 Can provide a family with a hygiene kit which includes toothpaste, soap, shampoo and detergent

£300 Can provide a family with a complete  pack

SKT Welfare has a 100% donation policy and this project is both zakat and sadaqah applicable.