Reaching New Heights: Penny Appeal Enters its New Chapter

At Penny Appeal, we believe that growth is not just about expanding our reach but also about enhancing the way we serve. As we prepare to embrace all the blessings that 2025 has to offer, we are thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter in our journey: the appointment of three remarkable new trustees to our board. Their wealth of experience, dedication, and diverse expertise will propel our mission to new heights, ensuring better governance, safeguarding, and accountability – Alhamdulillah! 

Meet Our New Trustees 

Huma Shamas 

Huma Shamas joins us as a trustee with a passion for delivering compassionate care. At 37, she has built a distinguished career as a Care Manager in a domiciliary care company, where she ensures individuals receive the highest standard of support. Her approachability, energy, and authenticity make her a dynamic addition to our team. Huma’s faith as a Muslim deeply inspires her commitment to giving back through Sadaqah projects and community engagement. At Penny Appeal, she aims to channel her expertise and values to contribute to impactful projects that resonate with our mission. 

Mohammed Khizar 

Mohammed Khizar’s extensive background in project management, charity leadership, and Islamic studies positions him as a transformative figure on our board. As Chair of the Sufi Abdullah Foundation, he has demonstrated excellence in strategic planning, policy implementation, and operational oversight. With experience delivering complex government projects and navigating challenging environments, Mohammed brings invaluable resilience and vision to Penny Appeal. 

Mohammed Junaid Akhtar 

As a respected community leader, Mohammed Junaid Akhtar has dedicated his career to improving safeguarding practices and advancing charity governance. He currently manages the Safeguarding in Faith Communities initiative for the Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership and serves as a Magistrate Judge. His innovative safeguarding frameworks, success in securing funding, and collaborations with over 700 charities exemplify his commitment to justice and community welfare. Junaid’s expertise will significantly bolster our governance and accountability. 

A Strengthened Vision for 2025 

Under the visionary leadership of our Chairman Mohammed Jahangir, Penny Appeal is stepping into the future with a renewed sense of purpose. Our new trustees’ diverse experiences will reinforce our strategic direction, enabling us to address complex challenges and drive impactful change both in the UK and globally. Together with our operational team, we have successfully concluded investigations with the Charity Commission, the Fundraising Regulator, and the Information Commissioner’s Office. This milestone reflects our commitment to transparency, compliance, and excellence. 

As we welcome these dynamic trustees to our existing, experienced board, we are more confident than ever in our ability to strengthen Penny Appeal’s mission of breaking the cycles of poverty and transforming lives. From pioneering innovative projects to deepening our impact in underserved communities, 2025 promises to be a year of growth, resilience, and service. 

Building a Future Together 

At Penny Appeal, we remain focused oour vision to create a world of dignity and opportunity for all, using small change to make a BIG difference. With the invaluable guidance of our trustees and the unwavering dedication of our operational team, we are poised to reach even greater heights. As we move forward, we invite our supporters, partners, and communities to join us on this journey of compassion and transformation. 

Together, let’s make 2025 a year of remarkable achievements—one that truly embodies the principles of our faith – Insha'Allah!