Umm Khaled is a widow who has lost much of her immediate family. Living in a camp in East Mosul, Iraq, she is raising her orphaned granddaughter alone.
“I pray to Allah that the winter ends soon, we suffer the most severe types of oppression and pain because of these harsh, cold days.”
The tent she lives in has no electricity and a lack of basic necessities.
“Islamic Relief has been providing us with relief baskets for several months, as well as foam mattresses and blankets.
“You are the ones helping us. Thanks be to God, after you provided us with heating materials, my daily suffering has greatly eased, and the heater now works all day.”
Families in need are being forced to choose food or fuel
Widowed Jetmira relies on support from Islamic Relief and her mother and aunt’s pensions to provide for the family’s necessities in Albania.
The rising cost of food means the family cannot afford enough nutritious food, with much of their limited income spent on medical bills for Jetmira’s 4-year-old daughter Ajsla.
“I think malnutrition has affected Ajsla’s weak immunity. Almost every month I take her to hospital with various viruses. All Islamic Relief sponsorship has been used only for her medication,” Jetmira shares.
Jetmira takes on odd jobs in spring and summer to earn some much-needed money, but the family’s worsening heath in winter makes it the most difficult period of the year.
“It’s not just in-kind [practical] help, it’s more, it’s spiritual, psychological and emotional healing.
“Alhamdulillah, thanks go to Allah SWT, the charitable donors and you [Islamic Relief].
“I remember the day you came to my house; it was not long after my husband had passed away.
“I am infinitely grateful that you came in and stood like sunshine for us, warming our hearts and homes on our coldest days.”
Give warmth, save lives
Across the Middle East and Asia, where homes tend to be built to withstand scorching summers, many families are often ill-prepared for the realities of winter. Storms and blizzards can be brutal and devastating.
In 2025/26, Islamic Relief delivered essentials to over 89,322 people across 19 countries, helping them to survive the winter. In 2025, our winter food drive coincided with Ramadan, during which we distributed 7,300 food packs, reaching over 21,000 people.
In 2026/27, we aim to assist 142,402 people facing harsh winter conditions.
Our annual Winterisation Programme provides blankets, heating materials (fuel, firewood, wood stoves and olive pomace), warm clothes and food to help families endure the coldest months. Cash is becoming an increasingly vital form of support, giving families the flexibility to buy what they most need and cover household heating bills.
With your generous donations, we will protect families from the bitter cold again this winter. Give warmth, save lives: Donate to our Winter Appeal now.
