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ICNA Relief Canada’s Vancouver chapter successfully hosted the 2025 Ramadan Fundraising Iftaar for Gaza Relief at Riverside Signature Banquet Hall on Saturday, March 9th. The event brought together community members from across the region, raising approximately $60,000 in support of critical relief efforts for Gaza.
The program commenced with welcoming remarks from Br. Ghulam Mustafa Sajid, ICNA’s President for the Western Canada Region. He emphasized the importance of unity and collective responsibility during Ramadan, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“Our gathering tonight is not just a meal; it’s a statement of compassion, solidarity, and commitment to justice,” he shared.
This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Muneer Al Qasem, former professor at Western University Canada. In his powerful address, Dr. Al Qasem highlighted the resilience of the Palestinian people and reminded attendees of the moral obligation to stand with those facing oppression and hardship.
A highlight of the evening was the address by Br. Raees Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ICNA Relief Canada. He provided a comprehensive overview of ICNA Relief’s operations in Gaza and other crisis-affected regions. Br. Raees emphasized the scale of the devastation in Gaza—where over 30,000 lives have been lost and more than 1.5 million people displaced. He outlined ICNA Relief’s Palestine initiatives, which include:
* Sponsorship of 1,500 orphans, supporting them through education and daily care.
* Distribution of 2,000 essential survival packs to families in need.
* Awarding 20 scholarships to Palestinian students pursuing higher education abroad.
* Facilitating resettlement opportunities in Canada for 50 displaced families.
* Installation of 10 clean water filtration plants, ensuring access to safe drinking water.
Throughout the evening, the spirit of generosity was palpable. Fundraising activities included live auctions, raffles, and donation pledges, with enthusiastic participation from attendees. Local businesses and individual donors demonstrated extraordinary generosity in supporting the cause.
The event concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Br. Abdul Ghaffar Ghaffari, President of ICNA Vancouver Chapter and the event coordinator. He expressed his deep gratitude to all attendees, donors, and volunteers who made the event a success. Special acknowledgments were extended to the dedicated team of volunteers: Faaiz, Daniyal, Auction Lead Farooq, Hassan, Furqan
Memon, Sister Misbah, and many others who worked diligently behind the scenes.
This year’s Ramadan fundraiser not only raised vital funds for Gaza
relief but also exemplified the community’s unwavering commitment to compassion, solidarity, and social justice. By: Muzafar Ali
