Birmingham community champion shortlisted for Lifetime Achievement Award 2024

The Birmingham Community Foundation has announced that Syed Muhammad Faisal Sami, a dedicated volunteer for Dawat-e-Islami and the Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF), has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition honours his extraordinary contributions to the community, both locally and internationally.

Syed Muhammad Faisal Sami has been a beacon of hope and support during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading various critical initiatives. Among his notable efforts was the delivery of over 25,000 food parcels to vulnerable individuals and families struggling due to the pandemic. Additionally, he played a crucial role in setting up a temporary morgue to manage the dignified handling of the deceased during the crisis, a service that provided much-needed support to grieving families.

Beyond his pandemic-related work, Faisal Sami has been instrumental in youth development projects across Birmingham. He spearheaded several awareness campaigns, including the County Lines Awareness Project, Knives Destroys Lives Project, Tackling Gun Culture, and combating video game addiction. These initiatives have been pivotal in educating and protecting young people from the dangers of crime and addiction, fostering a safer and healthier community.

Faisal Sami's humanitarian efforts extend far beyond the UK. As a committed aid worker for FGRF, he was among the first responders to natural disasters, including the devastating earthquakes in Turkey, Syria, and Morocco, and the severe flooding in Pakistan. His swift actions and leadership in these crises provided immediate relief to countless affected individuals.

In Gaza, he organised the distribution of 100,000 hot meals, ensuring that the needy population received necessary sustenance. Faisal Sami has also led daily camps to deliver essential supplies such as food, rations, and daily necessities to those in dire need. His unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid has touched lives across multiple continents.

Moreover, Faisal Sami has been a driving force behind the establishment of over 5,000 water well and hand pump projects across Pakistan, Asia, and Africa. These projects have been vital in providing clean and accessible water to communities, significantly improving their quality of life and health outcomes.

Syed Muhammad Faisal Sami's tireless work has earned him the title of a community champion. His dedication to service, whether through volunteering, youth projects, or humanitarian aid, exemplifies the spirit of compassion and selflessness. His nomination for the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to his impactful and sustained contributions.

The Birmingham Community Foundation will announce the award winner at a gala event later this year, celebrating individuals who have made significant differences in their communities. As Faisal Sami stands among the shortlisted candidates, his story of dedication and service continues to inspire and uplift those around him.