By: Taslim Haq
The International Refugees Support Foundation (IRSF) has been established in 2022. It is dedicated to aiding newly arrived refugees by providing essential items such as food, groceries, clothing, blankets, furniture, and other household supplies to address their immediate needs. With a significant influx of refugees from regions including Afghanistan, Syria, Sudan, and other countries.
IRSF endeavors to offer culturally appropriate assistance, including clothing tailored to individual backgrounds. With many refugees being of Muslim faith, IRSF acknowledges their specific religious and cultural needs.
As a result they cater to the demand for Qurans and prayer rugs, recognizing the significance of these items within the community.
Throughout Ramadan 2024, IRSF diligently continued its Ramadan Grocery program to accommodate the increasing demand due to rising arrivals and food insecurity.
During this Ramadan, over 950 refugees were provided with food packages, distributed through major weekly events, supplemented by minor distributions, and direct deliveries throughout each week. These distributions were conducted at various Muslim community centers, including the Guildford Islamic Cultural (April 20)Center and Masjid Al Huda, fostering community connections.
On April 6th, IRSF extended its support by distributing Eid packages at the North Delta Islamic Centre at 11146-84th Ave.
These packages included groceries as well as gifts for both children and adults, aiming to provide assistance and joy to as many refugees as possible. Despite facing resource limitations, IRSF remains unwavering in its dedication to empowering refugee families and nurturing a supportive community. Through the collaboration of community support and volunteer engagement, the organization aims to broaden its impact and offer more substantial assistance to those in need.
Recognizing the diverse circumstances of each refugee family, IRSF is committed to providing tailored assistance to meet individual requirements. IRSF goes above and beyond by supplying necessities such as baby formula and wheelchairs for seniors, catering to specific needs.
IRSF operates on the principles of respect and compassion, endeavoring to offer essential assistance to help refugees rebuild their lives with dignity and hope, making a lasting and positive impact. Understanding the importance of language and cultural integration for effective communication and societal integration, IRSF guides and encourages refugees to enroll in English language programs.
Furthermore, securing employment is vital for refugees to achieve self-sufficiency.
In January 2024, IRSF organized a workshop in Richmond, BC, in collaboration with local doctors, to assist foreign qualified medical doctors in navigating the process of obtaining Canadian licenses.
Expressing gratitude for any support received, Ms. Nusrat Haq, representing IRSF, emphasized the organization’s belief that every individual and family deserves the opportunity to thrive. By tailoring assistance and addressing specific needs, IRSF aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of refugees.
To learn more about IRSF and explore
opportunities for contribution or volunteering, please visit www.irsfcharity.org or email at irsfcharity@gmail.com.
The organization’s appeal for support and volunteers highlights the community’s
potential to create a compassionate and
inclusive environment, enabling refugees to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
