February 23, The attendees at the Muslim Food Bank and Community Services Society’s annual fundraising dinner on February 23, 2019, were in for a treat Saturday night. The annual black tie event, which raises money for the operating costs of the organization, is always an enjoyable evening, with dinner, a silent auction, and engaging speakers. This year, the highlight of the event was the main speaker Imam Abdul Malik. A New York native, Imam Malik brought with him an energy and excitement that infected the crowd. In addition to his spirited fundraising, he gave a poignant and thoughtful speech about the power of belief, and the importance of giving generously to charity.
Imam Malik relayed the Quranic story of Prophet Zakariyah, and his desire for a child to carry on the service of Allah after he passed. Although Prophet Zakariya was elderly and his wife was barren, the power of his belief in Allah resulted in the birth of Prophet Yahya, whose name itself means life. Imam Malik related this to the belief that we each must have in overcoming what we think of as “impossible”. Applying that power of belief to the fundraiser, over $100,000 was raised.
The Muslim Food Bank and Community Services Society has, of course, been a mainstay in Surrey for many years. In attendance were many members of the Surrey community, united in their support for this important organization. The fundraising dinner was also attended by local Surrey MLAs, including the Honourable Bruce Ralston, the Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology, the Honourable Harry Bains, the Minister of Labour, and Rachna Singh, the MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers. All expressed their support and appreciation for the work of MFBCSS.
The fundraising dinner also provided an opportunity to celebrate the volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure the important work of the organization continues – from serving over 600 families a month through its food bank arm, to the programming provided through its community services arm, ASPIRE. Through case workers to work one on one with families, job and language support, youth programming, addictions assistance, MFBCSS truly serves its clients in a holistic way.
The dinner took place on the eve of an important even for the organization – moving day! Thanks to the generosity and support of the community, MFBCSS has purchased a permanent new warehouse space, located at unit #104, 12925 115 Avenue in Surrey. This space will allow the organization to have a long term home in order to serve its clients. Please drop by to see the new space, and to contribute your time and financial donations to such a worthy cause. MFBCSS is always looking for volunteers, and donations are always welcome – please visit
www.muslimfoodbank.com
