By: Salma Husain
“For those who believe and do good deeds, these are the dwellers of the Paradise, in it they shall abide.” (The Holy Quraan: Chapter 2: Verse 82).
What a spectacular event! The Muslim Youth Centre (MYC) held its 19th Annual Fundraising Dinner on Saturday, October 5, to a jam-packed crowd. It was held at the Crystal At York Banquet Hall in Surrey,. The Program started with a Welcome address and outline of the Program done by the President of MYC, Br. Kareem Husain. The Master of Ceremonies Br. Ahmed Kandel introduced the Quraan Reciter, Br. Amir Malek who did a beautiful recitation of the Quran. Sukh Dhaliwal, MP (Surrey – Newton) and Bruce Ralston, MLA (Surrey – Walley) spoke about the importance of supporting the MYC to keep a safe and friendly place for the Youth. Then, the audience took part in a fun Knowledge question and answer game done by the Youth; Sister Jannat, Br. Suhaib, Br. Faisal and Br. Yusuf; followed, by the evening prayer.
Voices of Jannah, a local Youth Group led by Sister Rahma had the audience stand and recite the Canadian National Anthem. The group (ages 6-14 years old) launched 4 years ago with the goal of providing youngsters with opportunities to learn about their Muslim identities and gain confidence through it. They showcased their talent with a special performance on the Nasheed ‘Sing Children of the World’ by Dawud Wharsnby, to promote the diversity of our beautiful religion and talked about ‘How they are Proud to be a Canadian Muslim’; followed by a skit.
There was a wonderful taekwondo performance presented by the Youth of MYC led by Black Belt Instructors Brother Adam Ishmail and Sister Alia Ishmail. The hard work and dedication of the Youth were truly inspiring with them displaying poise and discipline. Taekwondo classes are held at the MYC every Saturday.
The Guest Speaker was Imam Br, Shujaat Ali. He made an impassioned speech on how the MYC is the only Centre in the lower mainland that offers a unique service for the Youth where sports and Islamic studies are always at the forefront. After this, the Fundraising took place where over $15,000 was raised. Thank you to everyone who donated. A fun Giveaway was played with the entire audience to close off the program. There was an intense competition with the audience where audience members were called on stage and guessed items until one winner prevailed; Sister Saffiya Salim. Thank you to everyone who participated in the event and the winners.
The President concluded the Program with a Vote of Thanks and requested everyone to lend their continuous support to the MYC. Thank you to the vendors: Rahihan Ferdous of Modesty Hijab and Fashion; Khadijah Ali who had artisan soaps and Moroccan Oil; Ghousia Iram with clothing and jewelry; Taskeen Imrit with homemade natural skin care products; Fathima Bahar with Abayas from Kuwait and Neha and Mandeep with clothing and jewelry.
There are wonderful people who volunteer their time and effort on these events for the Community, the Youth and their Families. The MYC keeps the vision of the founder, Brother Asgar Husain by catering to the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of our Youth. Make sure to come by the MYC for future events happening such as a Family Fun Day, Sports Tournaments and an International Food Festival on Sunday, November 10, 2019 at 12:30 pm at the MYC showcasing the diversity through culture and food which make Canadians special. Thank you very much to all the people who advertised, participated and donated to the MYC. See everyone there next year for the 20th
Anniversary, In sha Allah!!
