By: Mujahid Ahmed
The Islamic Relief Canada team in BC hosted a grand iftar on March 23, 2024, in Surrey at Aria Banquet Hall. The keynote speaker Imam Siraj Wahaj delivered a powerful keynote speech to the attendees about the gift of giving and how we can help our brothers and sisters in Islam. The purpose of the iftar was to raise funds for Islamic Relief’s Orphan Sponsorship program, particularly in Palestine. Islamic Relief has had an office in Palestine since 1997 and is on the ground in Khan Younis, Deir Al Balah, Zawayda, and Rafah, delivering daily ready-to-eat hot meals in Gaza. We have distributed 8 million hot meals thus far. We are also distributing hygiene kits, clean water via water tanks, and psychosocial support for children–but the enormity of the crisis means that much more is needed. Over 600 community members attended the event ranging from donors,
partners, organizations, local business owners, and volunteers. Through their fundraiser and with the support of the community, Islamic Relief was able to sponsor over 300 orphans for a full 12 months. IR Canada strives to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy, and diseases worldwide regardless of color, race, religion, or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. Islamic Relief Canada aims to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish sustainable local development projects allowing communities to better help themselves.
