HCI Holds its Annual Dinner
Presents William Osler Health Centre $10,000
Reported by Uruzurum Heer
On Saturday March 28th, 2009, Human Concern International (HCI) held its Annual dinner at Chandni Banquet Hall, Brampton, ON. The Annual dinner was a successful event with a jam packed hall and men and women dressed in their most elegant and classy attire to rally their support for HCI. The event organizers had decided to give a part of their proceeds towards a local cause supporting the Muslim "Friends of William Osler Health Centre" (Brampton Hospital). HCI presented Farooque Dawood with a $10,000 cheque.
Human Concern International (HCI) is a Canadian, Federally Registered, charitable organization existing “to help alleviate human suffering” by Investing in Humanity. Since 1980 HCI has contributed over $40 million dollars towards facilitating Sustainable Development through long term development projects, and maintaining Human Dignity by providing immediate relief assistance to many poor and strife torn countries and to local causes in Canada. HCI’s development projects have helped communities become more self-sufficient and the emergency assistance provided has helped communities during dire need.
HCI has also provided financial assistance, Health Care, Agriculture,Human Resources Development, Relief and Public Education. Muslim Friends of William Osler Health Centre, a
group of community leaders, physicians, and concerned local residents, has pledged $1 million to William Osler Health Centre Foundation. Amongst the largest gifts given so far to the Osler Foundation’s Here for you... caring for you Community Campaign, the pledge will provide funds for the new Brampton Civic Hospital. The area designated for the MFWO is the courtyard area of the Hospital. The annual event brought out several hundred supporters who enjoyed an evening of good food, good company, a live band, prizes and good
times.
Ambitious forum on domestic violence held in Toronto
by Habib Alli
Isn’t this an oxymoron -- Muslims and domestic violence? But in answer to the seminar held at Dawah Centre on March 22nd this is no longer a myth to leave in denial but a fact of the Muslim communities. Talking about this reality was Sargeant Ruby Dhutt, who has been on duty in the South Asian community in GTA for years, dealing with this life threatening yet culturally sensitive issue.
She ably explained the procedures and laws in dealing with abused women and men, while showing that the fear of losing dignity and face can lead to worse case
scenarios.
AbdulHai Patel, honorary doctorate recipient in Islamic service, candidly outlined the Islamic stand on this tragic development and condemned anyone using religion to beat their wives and ill-treat their children. Shabbir Ally, the Mosque President, did a wonderful job in moderating the session, which saw a reasonable turnout of both concerned women and men as well as social workers in the diverse community. Habeeb Alli, the Canadian Council of Imams secretary and executive of Jamiatul Ulama Canada, the two hosts, at the end joined the panelists in a workshop that dealt with live examples. He showed how the Qur’an doesn’t uphold beating of women from oft misquoted verse and how the daily usage of language derides the better halves of men. More of these are definitely needed and to book one may contact this newspaper or our website at: www.canadiancouncilofimams.com
Islamic Forum is Bustling with Activities
Reported by Asma Warsi
The little mosque on Dixie and Advance in Brampton has a lot to offer. Hidden in the commercial plaza and right next to a Hindu place of worship, this peaceful and serene unit is a centre of a lot of activities. Every week, you can just pass by, and would be sure to find yourself in the midst of events. It’s a family oriented mosque where men, women and children can have a good time as well as get the spiritual uplifting.
If it’s not a food bazaar, it’s a flee market, or a curry-Q, or something else. The centre even has a movie night for children once a month on Friday nights. These are movies that teach children good values and an interactive discussion follows the show. “It’s a good idea to offer entertainment to children right in the Islamic atmosphere, so that they know that Islam is not only about Halal and Haram; we can enjoy and be a Muslim at the same time,” said one sister who was enjoying the delicious food at the last week’s Curry-Q. “When we bring kids to the mosque, they not only play but learn Islamic manners too. They know that you have to behave and when the Adhan is called, join the others in prayers,” enthused a brother, who was holding hands of two young kids. “It is a very practical way of
teaching them about Islam.”
“I like the fact that in this mosque, you are not segregated and you feel like a part of the community,” commented another sister. “We pray right behind the brothers without any
walls. Our kids can be with the mother and father at the same time.” Another sister agreed. “My 4- year-old daughter is very attached to her father. Here, I don’t have to confine her to be with me. She can pray with me while Daddy is still in her reach. And this is important for me.”
While families were sitting together, the kids were having time of their life jumping and playing at the Jumping Castle. Somewhere else, sisters were getting their hands painted
with Hena. Yet others were buying clothes and hijabs for themselves or to give as a gift. The food was very ethnic and flavorful. The Forum has amazing volunteers who are always ready to help the mosque. “How do you feel after putting a day’s worth of work into these events?” I asked a volunteer. “I feel satisfaction giving something back to my place of worship.
The mosque makes a little money with these events. After all, we have to pay the rent and bills, and moreover, collect money for the real mosque that we want to build sooner that later,” was the humble answer.
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