Manzoor Ali was named Man of the Year and was presented with the honour by Andrew Stephenson, MP for Pendle.
Manzoor took it upon himself to take action after the reprehensible Punish a Muslim Day letter was circulated.
Ali, who runs Barakah Foods and Barakah Food Aid in Manchester decided to respond to the vitriolic letter with random acts of kindness and along with members of his family launched a ‘banish hate day’.
His actions led to him to being praised by Mayor Jake Spano of St Louis Park in Minnesota, USA, who sent him a letter as well a sentimental £5 donation which he had kept with him since living in London 28 years ago.
In addition to this, he has organised food parcels and toiletries for the homeless and families.
When the project began, Ali and his family would drive into Manchester city centre every Thursday, handing out packages as they went.
This soon evolved into a regular volunteering venture and they now have more than 100 volunteers.
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