Charity Walk for Peace – Petersfield hosted the Cheque Presentation evening on Friday 5th October 2018. Guests started to arrive at 4pm with the formal session starting at 4.30pm.

After the recitation from the Holy Quran by Maulana Dawood Abid, reciting from Chapter 2, verse 216, Luqman Choudhry sahib translated the verse. The Welcome Address was delivered by the Regional President of AMEA UK (Ahmadiyya Muslim Elders Association UK) Mr Atta Quddoos, followed by Cllr. Laetitia Pienaar delivering the CWFP & EHDC Engagement history.

Dr Rizwanullah Khan, Chairman of CWFP Islamabad Region, provided an Introduction to the CWFP and the funds raised over the last 2 years. He explained that in the 1st regional walk in 2017 the combined effort of the members of CWFP, the East Hampshire District Council and the local Charities raised just over £7,000 and 125 walker participants, however with great effort this year a total so far of £10,600 has been raised and an amazing 320 walkers participated.

Cheques were then presented to the following charities who spoke sharing their work in the local community:

• Homestart Butser
• Homestart Hampshire
• Age Concern Cowplain
• Kings Arms
• Dementia Friends
• Rosemary Foundation
• Fitzroy
• Challengers
• Artscape

Mr Imran Chughtai, Vice President Jalsa Salana, spoke about his role in both Jalsa Salana and CWFP where he took responsibility for the majority of the setup arrangements. He respectfully thanked the Chair of the Council and the members for their continued support in making the Jalsa a great success.

Cllr Julie Butler, a wonderful ambassador of CWFP explained how important the local walk has become and said that if the focus starts now on the 2019 walk then we can focus on raising £24,000.

Cllr Anthony Williams, Chair of the Council, spoke about his love for the Community and the wonderful Jalsa Salana. He said that he was amazed with the work that went in to the organisation of Jalsa Salana, and that he had a wonderful time attending in 2018.

Damian Hinds MP for East Hampshire and Secretary of State for Education spoke with immense respect for CWFP and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Mr Rafi Ahmad chaired the event on behalf of the President of AMEA, and as Vice Chairman for CWFP. He repeated the translation of the Holy Quran, Ch 2, v216, explained that it was our duty to serve mankind as we always have and always will. Working together with the charities is inspiring and helps us to raise the message of unity, integration and Love for All, Hatred for None.

The event concluded with Silent Prayer, followed by group photographs, and tea and snacks.