New vans accelerate House Of Sadaqa’s aid efforts

Wednesday 2 October, saw Suttons Chullora, a well-known automotive dealership in Sydney’s southwest, make a wonderful contribution to the community by donating two brand-new Ford Transit vans to House Of Sadaqa.

This amazing gesture will help the well-known charity continue its vital work of delivering essential support to vulnerable families and individuals in need. 

The donation is set to make a lasting impact, enabling House Of Sadaqa to reach even more people in crisis and further amplify their charitable efforts.

“This extremely generous donation from Suttons Chullora isn’t just about adding to our fleet; it’s about expanding our ability to bring comfort, dignity and hope to those who need it most,” Rob (Bilal) Laidlaw, Founder of House Of Sadaqa, told AMUST.

“These vans will act as a lifeline for so many people who rely on our services for survival, and it truly warms my heart to see businesses like Suttons Chullora step up for the community in such a meaningful way.”

For over 14 years, House Of Sadaqa has played a vital role in bridging the gap for individuals and families who have fallen through the cracks of traditional support systems. 

Initially run from Rob Laidlaw’s Castle Hill garage, the charity has grown exponentially, now operating out of a warehouse in Revesby. 

The organisation provides essential household items such as furniture, appliances and clothing to individuals facing homelessness, domestic violence, financial hardship and mental health challenges.

The addition of the two new vans will allow the charity to streamline its logistics, reaching those in need more efficiently.

“The work House Of Sadaqa does is absolutely inspiring,” said Bridgette Noun, Dealer Principal at Suttons Chullora. 

“Being able to contribute to such a heartfelt cause makes our team feel incredibly proud.”

“Growing up in this (southwest Sydney) area, I’ve seen firsthand the difficulties many families face, and it’s rewarding to know that we are helping in a practical and impactful way.”

The new vehicles have immediately become a critical asset in House Of Sadaqa’s Home Essentials Program, which provides families and individuals with much-needed items to help them get back on their feet. 

Mohammad Kandil, Operations Manager at House Of Sadaqa, explained, “These vans are a means to bring hope and essential support to the people who need it most and this partnership will significantly enhance our ability to serve the community.”

The partnership between Suttons Chullora and House Of Sadaqa doesn’t stop with the vans.

For every vehicle sold through a special landing page set up by Suttons, the dealership will donate $250 to the charity. 

This ongoing financial support will further enable House Of Sadaqa to continue providing for those most in need.

In addition to generous donations like this, other initiatives also play a crucial role in the charity’s sustainability. 

Panda Paper, a social enterprise committed to eco-friendly and ethical practices, channels 100 per cent of its profits into House Of Sadaqa. 

Panda Paper not only provides financial support to the charity but also donates bamboo toilet paper to homeless shelters and low-income families. 

This initiative helps House Of Sadaqa maintain its vital community programs while ensuring access to basic hygiene products for the most vulnerable.

The donation of the vans couldn’t have been more timely, as House Of Sadaqa has continued to capture the community’s attention with its fundraising efforts, some of which are quite unique. 

In the July edition of AMUST, we reported that the charity organised its inaugural Charity Winter Splash at Maroubra Beach, which drew nearly 40 brave participants from the Sydney Muslim community. 

Volunteers took an icy plunge into the cold waters to raise awareness and funds for those in need, demonstrating the lengths our community is willing to go for a good cause.

“The Charity Winter Splash was one of those events that showed how much our community is willing to come together and sacrifice for others,” Rob Laidlaw reflected. 

“We had people jumping into freezing water just to raise awareness for those struggling to stay afloat in life.”

“That’s the spirit we want to foster, and the donation of the vans by Suttons Chullora only strengthens our mission.”

House Of Sadaqa’s work extends far beyond local projects, with its other initiatives including an International Clothing Aid Program, shipping 19-tonne containers of clothing and shoes to destinations like Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen and Pakistan. 

Their reach has impacted over a million people worldwide, providing essential aid to the most vulnerable. 

Closer to home, their initiatives include providing clothing to Sydney’s homeless, often distributing items in the heart of the city at Martin Place.

As House Of Sadaqa continues to grow, so does its vision for the future. 

Rob Laidlaw dreams of one day operating from a larger facility, with the capacity to house all of their programs under one roof and a fleet of vehicles serving both the local and global communities.

“I envision a place where we can offer even more – from employment training to community dining spaces – all while continuing to bring relief to those who need it most,” he said.

With partners like Suttons Chullora and initiatives like Panda Paper, that dream is one step closer to reality. 

The donation of these two vans not only improves the logistics of day-to-day operations but also serves as a reminder of the powerful impact that businesses and individuals can make when they come together for the greater good.