An Evening of Inspiration at the House of Lords

Last night, I had the privilege of attending a Black Tie Dinner at the House of Lords, hosted by Baroness Uddin, celebrating two remarkable milestones: 15 years of Rosebuds Sisters and 20 years of Ethar Relief. It was an evening that brought together community leaders, changemakers, supporters and organisations united by a shared commitment to serving humanity.

Being invited to such a prestigious venue was an honour, but what made the evening truly memorable was hearing about the extraordinary impact these organisations have made over the years. 

Rosebuds Sisters has grown from a small grassroots initiative into a nationwide sisterhood that empowers Muslim women through education, wellbeing, leadership opportunities and community engagement. Entirely volunteer-led, the organisation creates safe and welcoming spaces where women can build friendships, strengthen their faith, develop confidence and become leaders within their own communities. 

Equally inspiring is the work of Ethar Relief, which has spent two decades delivering humanitarian aid and supporting vulnerable communities both in the UK and internationally. Their commitment to responding to crises, alleviating hardship and providing practical assistance embodies the Islamic values of compassion, generosity and caring for those most in need. 

As the founder of Islamic Moments, supporting organisations that strengthen our communities has always been important to me. Over the past two decades, I have had the privilege of designing products that celebrate the milestones of Muslim life - whether through greeting cards, gifts or stationery and always believed that businesses should play a role in giving back and supporting those making a tangible difference to society.

The evening was filled with inspiring speeches, heartfelt reflections and stories of resilience that highlighted the importance of community-led initiatives. It was encouraging to see so many individuals dedicating their time, energy and expertise to causes that enrich the lives of others. These are the kinds of organisations that quietly transform communities every single day.

I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to everyone involved with Rosebuds Sisters and Ethar Relief on reaching these incredible achievements. Thank you for your tireless work, your vision and your dedication to serving others.

It was a privilege to stand alongside so many inspiring people and celebrate your journey. I look forward to seeing both organisations continue to flourish and make an even greater impact in the years ahead. 

Events like this remind us that success is not measured solely by growth or recognition, but by the positive impact we leave on people's lives.