Muslim Society Organizes Clothing and Food Donations

By Jamie Komarnicki published 2 years ago
Original Article Source: Calgary Herald

Photo: Volunteers Hiba Fadol (left) and Souad Abdelrehim were on hand to help with the Muslim Families Network Society’s city-wide food and clothes distribution on April 11, 2010 at the Falconridge community centre.
Photograph by: Lorraine Hjalte, Calgary Herald

Four years ago, Hanan and Mohamed left their homeland, Sudan, eager to begin a new life in Calgary. Mohamed, a trained nurse, soon got a job working in a private home, and the couple happily settled in to raise their young family. But two years ago when the economy took a turn for the worse, like many other Calgarians, Mohamed lost his job. Since then, he hasn’t been able to find steady work, said Hanan, who didn’t want her last name published. Without work, he can’t afford to upgrade his nursing certification. It’s been difficult to provide for their three young children, she said. “My husband is trying to find a job, he can’t. It’s hard to find a job right now,” Hanan explained.

On Sunday, the couple found a helping hand at a food and clothing drive organized by the Muslim Families Network Society. Hundreds of people sorted through the tables overflowing with clothing and shoes that filled the Falconridge-Castleridge Community Association hall. Those who attended the event were also provided with bags of food, including Halal meat, according to Muslim dietary specifications. “It’s great, it’s helpful for the basic needs,” said Hanan, who noted the flour, oil, pasta and other goods provided will stretch at least a month in her family’s household.

It’s the second year the Muslim association has held the event, said organizer Idrees Khan. “We want to provide the support for people who need help financially, who need food, clothing,” she said.

Many of the people who benefited from the event are struggling day-by-day to make ends meet, she said. Many are single parents or recent immigrants trying to get settled in Calgary at a time when costs are high but jobs are scarce. Last year, more than 600 people took part in the event. On Sunday, Khan said she expected to see double the traffic. “We are trying to help them as much as we can.”

The Muslim society rented the hall for the day; in the first few hours, local community members brought piles of donations, while those in need began filing in later in the afternoon. “This is from the community, for the community. Reaching out to people who need help,” said Khan.

People of all faiths and backgrounds were welcome, she said. One of the unique aspects of the event was the Halal food, said Frozan Saddat, 21, who has two young children. “This is good for us, with most of the things we use every day,” said Saddat.

Volunteer Safura Yusuf, 72, brought her entire family — including children and grandchildren — to help out. “I want them to realize how fortunate we are, and try to help other people,” she said.

Hiba Fadol, 29, was another of the more than 50 volunteers on hand Sunday. “Seeing how needed it is, it was an easy decision to get involved,” she said. Although more people were at Sunday’s event than last year, it was heart-warming to realize the level of donations has increased, too, she said. “It’s about finding the need and meeting the need,” said Fadol. “We take that responsibility to heart.”

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