Solihull Food Bank
TOP is working in collaboration with As-Suffa, alongside The Hub and SMNetwork, to establish the Solihull Food Bank, aiding many local families hit by the effects of Coronavirus. Please follow us on social media to receive weekly updates on which items are most needed in the foodbank. You can bring you donations to TOP every Tuesday between 6pm-7pm.
If you, or someone you know requires assistance or you would like to volunteer please get in touch.
Community Gardening Project: TOP in Bloom
Gardening is good for the soul, mental health and community spirit. Through TOP in Bloom, volunteers of all ages and walks of life gather at TOP to maintain the beautiful grounds. In the words of Sir Bernard Shaw:
“My love for an English garden,
It knows no bounds.
I will never have to ask for pardon,
As I stroll these lovely grounds.”
Planting a flower, tree or shrub is also a form of sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity):
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said “If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift for him.”
1 Million Masks Challenge
TOP participated in the audacious campaign, NHS PPE launched by Loft 25/GLMCC in June 2020. For many months, during the height of the pandemic, we provided free mask kits to the public and our site was used as a collection point. It was a fantastic initiative, and we were overwhelmed by the amount of people who stepped forward to help their local community.
The 1 Million Mask Challenge aimed to protect everyone. Free kits consisted of PPE material, elastic for 50 masks and instructions. It was humbling to see the community pulling together, with people collecting packs then sewing the masks for family, friends and neighbours.
Olton Park Life
TOP was honoured to be invited to take part in the annual Olton Park Life Event, which took place on 29th June 2019, in Langley Hall Park. We Managed to get our gazebos up and stalls looking beautiful, despite the sweltering 32 degree heat. We had plenty to offer, with Middle-Eastern and Asian foods, teas, coffees and ice-cold drinks, for those feeling the heat.
The Mayor of Solihull had his name painted onto a bookmark in Arabic calligraphy, and the Lady Mayor had a henna design at our stall. The Olton community spirit was palpable and TOP received great feedback following the event, from locals, who particularly enjoyed the authentic tastes we had to offer. We look forward to taking part in Park Life again this summer, more details will be available soon.
