OCF is delighted to have partnered with local restauranteur Aziz Rahman to launch The Komorun Nessa Fund, in memory of his late mother. The fund will help projects that support families and friends of those experiencing mental health problems in east Oxford and beyond.
Oxfordshire businessman Aziz Rahman has launched a new fund, which is named after his late mother. The Komorun Nessa fund will support mental health initiatives, primarily in east Oxford. Aziz is raising money for his fund in order to make grants to local charitable organisations that:
- Provide support and guidance to the families and friends of those experiencing mental health problems
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Enable families to understand the challenges of those with mental health problems and how best to help them.
The Komorun Nessa Fund is held and managed by Oxfordshire Community Foundation, and was launched at an event last week, with a goal to raise at least £30,000 in the first year. Fabulous hospitality was shown by Aziz at his newly owned pub, The Red Lion in Islip, where guests heard a passionate speech from Aziz about why he set up the fund, which will provide practical support to a cause very close to his heart.
He spoke about the importance of talking openly about mental health, and the challenges faced by the friends and family of those experiencing mental health issues. Aziz’s vision was summed up with these words:
“If we can make a difference to one person, for me, that would be satisfying.”
Following speeches from some distinguished guests, including Richard Venables DL (representing the Oxfordshire Lieutenancy), and Lord Mayor of Oxford Lubna Arshad, everyone was treated to an evening of wonderful entertainment. The Oxford Troubadors started proceedings with some beautiful singing in the Occitan language, an old regional dialect from the south of France, followed by an exquisite tea tasting from the London Tea Exchange and a view of a stunning gold egg destined for King Charles! Owner Sheik Aliur Rahman talked with passion about the work they are doing to bring about fair pay for tea farmers around the world. The evening concluded with an auction and raffle, kick starting the fundraising for the Komorun Nessa Fund.
Named funds such as The Komorun Nessa Fund are a simple, robust and impactful alternative to setting up your own foundation or charitable trust. OCF hosts a number of named funds on behalf of individuals or organisations. It can be an effective way to carry out your personal or corporate charitable ambitions, without the hassle and administration of creating a formal foundation.
Zoe Sprigings, CEO at Oxfordshire Community Foundation said:
“Everyone at OCF is so pleased to be working with Aziz to help realise his ambition of helping families of those experiencing mental health problems. With our knowledge of grant-making and deep insight into the local charitable sector we can ensure that the funds get to the heart of the community and deliver this much needed support.”
How to donate
If you are inspired by Aziz’s vision for better mental health support, you can make a donation to The Komorun Nessa Fund easily through our online giving page with Enthuse. This also gathers Gift Aid, which adds a further 25% to your donation wherever possible, at no extra cost to you.
Alternatively, you can donate in the following ways:
- Payment by bank transfer can be made using the bank details shown here (please ensure you include the reference “Komorun Nessa”).
- If you would prefer to donate by CAF or cheque, please make it payable to “Oxfordshire Community Foundation”, write “Komorun Nessa Fund” on the reverse, and post it to us at Oxfordshire Community Foundation, 3 Woodin’s Way, Oxford, OX1 1HD.
If donating via bank transfer or cheque, please don’t forget to complete a Gift Aid form to really boost the value of your donation.