Luton Borough Council

12/03/2025 - Non-Muslim council staff fast for a day

A group of 19 non-Muslim Luton Council staff abstained from food, drink and water between 4.52am-6.01pm on Tuesday 11 March in support, solidarity and friendship with their Muslim colleagues and councillors who are observing Ramadan.

In what was a lovely return gesture, a number of Muslim councillors and staff prepared and brought food so they could all break the fast together at an evening Iftar inside the Town Hall.

The day was a great example of people of different faiths, and none, coming together to enjoy each other’s company, learn from one another and showcase Luton’s incredible community spirit.

The initiative was also an opportunity to raise money for the CAP (Community Against Poverty) Foundation's Orphan Village in Bangladesh, an inspiring project which will save the lives of very young vulnerable children who are facing exploitation and dangers on the streets.

The village will transform the lives of vulnerable young people and shape future generations through quality education and innovative solutions that foster self-sufficiency.

The Mayor of Luton, Councillor Tahmina Saleem, who prepared and brought food for the evening Iftar, said: “My huge thanks and congratulations to our officers and my fellow councillors for organising and taking part in this wonderful initiative.

“Luton is a very special place and yesterday’s fast and iftar epitomises so many wonderful things about our town – unity, respect, generosity and friendship – the list goes on.

“Fasting brought us together in the shared experience of hunger and thirst which is not easy to do, much respect and gratitude for the officers that came up with and participated in this wonderful initiative to raise money for the less fortunate which is the spirit of Ramadan. I encourage anyone who can, to donate to the Orphan Village.”

Adam Kearney, Head of Communications at Luton Council, who organised the initiative, said: “This was a really special day for us all. More than just showing support and respect for our Muslim colleagues, it was also a chance to increase our understanding of the faith that is so important to many of our friends, councillors and co-workers.

“Abstaining from food and drink for a day was tough and really makes you appreciate how hard it is for so many people around the world who live in destitution and can’t afford the daily meals we take for granted. It was very humbling.

“We were overwhelmed with offers for food for our evening Iftar which absolutely sums up Luton’s community spirt and generosity.”

Click here to find out more about the Cap Foundation’s Orphan Village and to make a donation.