Project Ramadan supports thousands of families

Project Ramadan, an initiative of Muslim Welfare Canada (MWC), continues its mission to fight food insecurity by providing families in need with essential food supplies during the month of Ramadan.

Launched in 2009, the initiative is 100 per cent volunteer-led and focuses on fundraising, assembling and distributing baskets filled with staple food items to families, regardless of race, religion or ethnicity.

This year, through six planned Project Ramadan events, MWC has committed to raising $500,000 to support 6,000 families. A recent build event took place on Feb. 7 at the Markham Fairgrounds, where volunteers worked together to assemble food baskets representing a one-month supply for recipient households.

The baskets are distributed through partner food banks and community organizations across the region, including several in Markham and York Region. Local beneficiaries include the Gibson Centre Food Bank (40+ baskets), Markham Food Bank (50+ baskets), Muslim Women of Vaughan (35+ baskets), and Markham Community Connect (50+ baskets).

Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Ward 7 Councillor Nimisha Patel attended the event and joined Shahid Khan, Executive Director of MWC, and Muhammad Iqbal Ali, President of MWC’s Board, for opening remarks.

Scarpitti praised the organization’s impact and dedication to helping families in need from all backgrounds.

“You’ve set a goal to raise $500,000 to be able to provide food to 6,000 families. And here through project build in Markham, I know that you’re going to be putting together 1,400 packages to support 700 families,” Scarpitti said. “And specifically, to provide meals to those that are less fortunate. So I know you can’t get around to all of the families, the 6,000 families that you’re gonna be able to serve. But certainly, this initiative will be able to provide food, and will be able to provide support. And again, in the true spirit of Ramadan, I’ll say also in the true spirit of Canada, to be able to help those of all backgrounds, of all religious beliefs. And I think this is a very important message, because sometimes I think people from the outside, who don’t see the good work of so many communities, always think that communities are just looking out for themselves, are so focused on a particular community, a religious belief. But in fact, your faith, your beliefs, your mission during Ramadan has become a mission to serve people of all backgrounds across Canada. And if that is not Canadian, I don’t know what is.”

Founded in 1993 by Major Muhammad Abbas Ali as a small food bank, MWC has since grown into a national organization dedicated to tackling poverty in Canada and around the world.

For more information, visit projectramadan.com.

Photo: Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Ward 7 Councillor Nimisha Patel join the MWC leadership at the Project Ramadan event on February 7 at the Markham Fairgrounds.