Faq
Frequently Asked Questions

Fundraising

How much do I need to raise?

All volunteers are required to raise a minimum of £5000 4 weeks before the deployment date. Please note, this is a minimum amount, and we encourage all volunteers to go above and beyond when fundraising to maximise on the trip and provide as much aid and support as possible.

What happens if I don’t reach the minimum target before the deadline?

If you are not able to reach your fundraising target by the agreed date, you will not qualify to travel on the chosen deployment. However, your spot will be moved to the next available deployment date.

Can people donate their Zakat/Sadaqah on the fundraising link?

Yes, there is a tick box option to select Zakat when donating via Launch Good.

Travel

What does a typical day on deployment look like?

Each day of a deployment will vary depending on the country and nature of projects, offering far more than just distributing aid in camps or rural areas. You'll have the opportunity to meet beneficiaries, hear their stories firsthand, and take part in collective fundraising campaigns for some of the most impactful cases we encounter.

One highlight is our Orphans Fun Day - a joyful event where children along with their guardians come together to play, connect, and enjoy a fun-filled day. You'll also visit our sustainability projects, which empower beneficiaries to become more self-reliant and build independent livelihoods.

Are all the days on deployment a full working day?

Yes, the day usually begins at 9am and finishes by 5 or 6pm. This can vary depending on the country. You are free to rest after we have finished our reflection session for the day in the evenings.

Do I need to pay anything for the deployment?

There is a registration fee of £200 (£300 for Pakistan deployments) which goes towards covering some expenses for your trip. This is only payable once you have reached your minimum fundraising target.

Do we pay for our flights/hotel?

Salam Charity covers all costs such as flights, accommodation, transport and food on deployment. This is often covered using the gift aid generated and registration fees. However, if you wish to cover your own flights and accommodation, we do encourage it, as it allows us to spend more funds on aid delivery.

Which airport do we fly from?

Most of our deployments depart from London Heathrow Airport. We will let you know what airport you fly from closer to the departure date.

Who leads the deployment?

We have a team of experienced staff members who take charge of the deployments under the leadership of our Deputy CEO, Waseem Iqbal.

How much spending money do I need?

You will not need much spending money as expenses such as food, accommodation and travel will be covered by Salam Charity. We recommend only taking a small amount for your own personal use. We do not recommend exchanging money before travel as we will be able to provide you with the best rates in most cases, and you will have the opportunity to exchange as little or as much as you need once you arrive at your destination.

Can I take my camera?

Yes, you can take your camera. Please note that there will be a media team capturing footage for the purpose of raising awareness and sharing with our donors. However, it is important to be mindful when taking any form of media and follow the guidance given by Salam charity.

Accommodation

Where do we stay on deployments?

We stay in hotels, depending on which area we are working in. We may move from city to city depending on the programme set for the week.

Is it shared accommodation?

We aim for every volunteer to have their own room where possible. However, in some circumstances where there is no availability, volunteers will have to share.

Health

Do I need to be vaccinated or have specific immunisations to travel?

It is the responsibility of each volunteer to check which vaccinations/immunisations are required for their destination before departure.

Food

Are meals provided?

We provide meals and snack breaks for our volunteers throughout the day. Any extra food or expenses will need to be covered by the volunteers.

Other

Who do we work with internationally whilst on deployment?

We have several local partners on the ground who are registered NGOs and experienced in their field.

Can I use my phone/data out there?

Yes, we can provide SIM cards at an extra charge which have data included that you can use for the duration of your trip

Will you provide me with t-shirts and hoodies?

Yes, we will provide you with a number of t-shirts and hoodies dependent on the season. However, you can purchase more at an extra cost. These will be distributed at the airport or at the deployment destination. You are required to wear these at all times when out in the field and when representing Salam Charity.

Can I take anything from home to distribute?

We don’t allow you to distribute any goods or money yourself, as we like to ensure that everyone receives fairly and equally. And in some cases, it may be against the law to be distributing funds or goods without prior permission. However, you can take sweets or small toys for children which can be distributed amongst them at the camps or during family visits. It's important to have a sufficient quantity of the same sweets and toys to ensure consistency and fairness during distributions.