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Original poster

Fund-raisers that won't offend Muslim families

167 replies

MrsLadywoman · 19/10/2011 16:48

My kids go to a secular state primary school in a multi-cultural area where just over 50 per cent of the children are from Muslim backgrounds. We are about to have a PSA meeting about fund-raising events and there have already been a few raised voices over certain suggestions, for example a roller disco (no music should be played), a barbecue (no pork, no wine) and a bingo night (no gambling). Could anyone offer any suggestions that won't offend?

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catsareevil · 19/10/2011 17:36

My children are at a school with a large number of muslim children, and this hasnt been an issue, though there have never been any fundraising events proposed which would have involved drinking alcohol. There are some gambling events (eg bingo) but no complaints.

Original poster
MrsLadywoman · 19/10/2011 17:36

Thanks Kardashianw, that's interesting. Tbh, most of the families (on all sides!) just want to get along. But there seems to be a small but very vocal group in both camps that are making it quite difficult to agree on things. We are all a bit sick of debating who is right and who is wrong - just want to try and find some hassle-free solutions!

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ButHeNeverDid · 19/10/2011 17:37

could you do raffles and tombolas if everyone won a prize .... that may not be classed as gambling. But you would need to inc cost of tickets I would guess.

Think you are in a very difficult position and I agree with Chaz ....the onus should be on the other parents to come up with suggesions.

Feenie · 19/10/2011 17:40

Music and self-portraits are part of the NC.

We have around 30% Muslim parents and have never had a problem with any of these, although we don't do things which involve alcohol, and I understand why that would offend.

EdithWeston · 19/10/2011 17:48

You might be able to do Christmas events - Jesus is after all revered as a major prophet (though not considered divine). Run it past a local imam?

nailak · 19/10/2011 18:16

i think the most vocal in this case, may not be the most common opinions, eid is coming up so eid party?

it is ridiculous to not beable to do xmas events.

and drawing images is allowed for educational purposes,

saggarmakersbottomknocker · 19/10/2011 18:18

The school I work in has a similar number of muslim families plus a good smattering of other religious and cultural backgrounds. Most of our parents seem to be like Kardashianw. Many of ours take part in the tombola, even when alcohol is part of the prizes - they choose another prize if they win one they can't have, happily help out at food related events to ensure everyone is catered for.

inmysparetime · 19/10/2011 18:22

For an Eid fundraising activity, you could get kids to bring in money to have Mendhi patterns on their hands. It needn't have the permanency of henna, use face paints or felt pens.

nailak · 19/10/2011 18:32

sell home made eid cards Grin eid cards are suprisingly hard to find and expensive

Original poster
MrsLadywoman · 19/10/2011 18:40

Yes, we are having big Eid do - assembly and cake sale and dressing up. Cards sounds like a good idea, will def suggest that tomorrow

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Fourthdimensionallizard · 19/10/2011 18:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
MrsLadywoman · 19/10/2011 18:49

Yes, well, that would be lovely.

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ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 19/10/2011 20:14

Why not set it up so the vocal minorities on both sides can have a mock battle with wet sponges and you can sell tickets for the fed up majority in the middle to watch! Wink

Eid cards sounds like a good idea.

Parents and children football or cricket match?

cuppatea2 · 19/10/2011 20:14

where i am the "food" and bbq stall is always a big moneyspinner - also at least 50% muslim but the difference is the muslim parents organise the bbq and food events so it is all halal meat, veggie stuff, cakes and soft drinks - everyone can participate and it really brings people together

Takver · 19/10/2011 20:46

What about a 2nd hand uniform sale - get people to donate good quality uniform then sell it after school. Useful for parents as well as a fund raiser.

Arion · 19/10/2011 20:55

If you're doing pictures to colour on the cards you will want words not actual pictures if there are a very vocal strict group of parents. Muslim art is not supposed to represent anything in nature as that was created by the divine and to do so is heretical (or whatever it is called for Islam). History of art lectures from many moons ago when I guided in the Singapore Art museum (strictly voluntary!).

Muslim art though is usually based on lettering not nature.

nailak · 19/10/2011 21:05

^ so you cant draw a star and crescent moon as that is from nature? Hmm

cuppatea2 · 20/10/2011 08:44

no trees or flowers either? are you sure????

Bonsoir · 20/10/2011 08:52

If your school is secular, what is the problem? Surely Muslims cannot impose their own religious beliefs in this way?

MrsDreadfullyMorbidMausoleum · 20/10/2011 09:16

How about a shopping evening? Invite local small shops/craftspeople/usborne books/phoenix cards etc along for a small table fee, sell tickets to include a cup of tea/coffee and cake. This has worked really well for us in the past.

Sponsored three legged walk? Silly socks for a gold coin donation?

seeker · 20/10/2011 09:21

How about asking the Muslim parents?

LaLaLaLayla · 20/10/2011 09:24

I thought the 'no music' rule was just during Ramadan. And surely it is not difficult to make cakes without pork or gelatin in them?

You would be surprised by the number of Muslims who are Hmm at all the 'do-gooders' trying not to offend...

mummytime · 20/10/2011 09:26

I would try to make contacts with the religious group leaders, is there any kind of mutli-faith organisation or a way you could speak to the iman? Because I have heard of situations like this and it doesn't end well as there are a lot of hidden agendas.
Normally as long as you show basic respect most people get on with most events (I don't like Bingo or Racing nights, but never object to others doing them).

crazymum53 · 20/10/2011 09:50

The muslim children at dcs school all attend the discos so am not sure where the no music "rule" comes from.
Having a veggie option cooked on a separate BBQ would be a way round this. Wouldn't recommend alcohol anyway as I think you need to apply for a licence if you are supplying this at a public event.

Original poster
MrsLadywoman · 20/10/2011 10:47

LaLaLa: No, we don't have pork in the cakes! There was an issue with eggs and butter, then people with nut allergies wanted no nuts, and then it got a bit out of hand because it started to stretch to red foods (cochineal? From insects?) and red smarties... then maybe pink smarties... so to avoid any trouble it became all smarties...

As I have already said, this is NOT about the majority of parents at the school, Muslim or non-Muslim. It's about the active members of the PSA, which is a small group of parents who are on the whole very committed and put a lot of time and effort into fundraisers and activities. However, perhaps because of their commitment, feelings can run high. There have already been clashes and arguments, and quite frankly it was getting out of hand. So I am really really just trying to come up with some solutions that everyone will be happy with. After all, the point is to raise money for the school.

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