EARTHQUAKE and tsunami victims in Indonesia are getting vital aid thanks to fundraising efforts by the Bolton branch of UK charity, Al-Khair Foundation.

The volunteers, based in Derby Street, have been working with businesses and local mosques to help raise support for the people struggling to rebuild after the disaster in September.

The Al-Khair Foundation is a UK-based Muslim charity which has carried out emergency aid missions all over the world, distributing food, shelter kits and medicine.

Events Co-ordinator and Majid Liaison Officer, Zubair Vali said: “It’s been inspiring to see the community of Bolton rally together and help raise money for the desperate victims in Indonesia.

“The generosity has been amazing, and it means so much to the people who have so little.”

The 7.5 magnitude earthquake triggered a six-metre high tsunami on September 28, claiming almost 1,900 lives with 1,000 still missing.

Over 750,000 people have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

Al-Khair launched their Emergency Indonesia Earthquake Appeal hours after the devastating earthquake.

Chairman and Founder of Al-Khair Foundation, Imam Qasim Rashid Ahmad said: “We wish a warm thank you to all communities including mosques and businesses who contributed to this cause.

“So many people from communities are making a particular effort to do the very best for our Emergency Indonesia Earthquake Appeal.”

Over 200,000 people have lost their homes and aftershocks have presented huge challenges for response teams to co-ordinate their rebuilding programmes.

Founder, Imam Qasim has travelled to Indonesia to initiate the rehabilitation development phase and oversee the development of mid-term shelters for the victims.

The charity has provided food packs to more than 20,000 individuals and supplied over 14,000 people with hygiene kits.

Al-Khair Foundation’s emergency appeal is still ongoing and is asking for donations of £50 towards food and water, £75 towards medical supplies and hygiene kits and £100 towards temporary shelter.

To donate, visit: www.alkhair.org or call 03000 999 786.