JazakAllahu Khaire to everyone who donated generously on Oct. 12 for the World Food Grains Bank who is raising money for famine relief in the Sahel region of Africa. World Food Day is proclaimed by the UN to raise awareness and understanding on approaches to ending world hunger. May Allah (SW) help all those struggling with hunger.
Winnipeg Mosque Holds Fundraiser for Canadian Foodgrains Bank
When someone is hungry, that’s a challenge for those whose stomachs are full—a challenge that requires a response.
That was the call issued by Idris Elbakri, past president of the Manitoba Islamic Association, at an Oct. 12 fundraising service for Canadian Foodgrains Bank at Winnipeg’s Central Mosque.
Noting that millions of people around the world don’t have enough to eat, Elbakri added that some may wonder why so many are hungry today. But that question, he stated, should only be followed by another one: “What are we going to do about it?”
Elbakri cited the example of the prophet Mohammed, who provided help for people who were poor and hungry. He added that food security is important in Islam, noting that Muslims are required to share food with others and that “nobody should go to bed hungry.”
Following his presentation, members of the mosque donated $2,750 for the Foodgrains Bank’s Sahel Emergency Food Appeal.
For Jim Cornelius, Executive Director of the Foodgrains Bank, the fundraiser was special on a couple of levels.
“Not only was it good to be asked if the Mosque could raise money for our effort in the Sahel, it was also significant that many in the congregation are refugees and immigrants, and some have known hunger,” he says.
Canadian Foodgrains Bank has provided $10 million of food assistance for 288,000 people in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
Donations for the Sahel Emergency Food Appeal are welcome; go to http://foodgrainsbank.ca/sahel_emergency_food_appeal.aspx to make a donation.
John Longhurst
Director, Resources & Public Engagement
Canadian Foodgrains Bank
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