Prepared by Wedad Gilani September 23 2014...2014/02/11 · 4" " Dhul Hijjah Food Challenge 2013 Report Prepared by Wedad Gilani SERVING HUMANITY 5671 McAdam rd, Mississauga, ON L4Z

1

SERVING HUMANITY REPORT 2013 – 2014

Prepared by Wedad Gilani

September 23 2014

2

Table of Contents

ABOUT US ................................................................................................................................................................. 3 PROJECT REPORTS Dhul Hijjah Food Challenge Report 2013 ....................................................................................................... 4 Muslim Welfare Centre Field Trip Report ................................................................................................... 12 Muslim Welfare Centre Workshop Report ................................................................................................. 14 Winter Coat Drive Report ................................................................................................................................... 17 McMaster Mental Health Workshop Report .............................................................................................. 21 A Spiritual Journey: Umrah Workshop report .......................................................................................... 26 Clothing 4 Dawah Partnership Report ......................................................................................................... 30 Local Ramadan Food Packages Report ......................................................................................................... 34 Ramadan Food Drive Report ............................................................................................................................ 40 Toy Drive Report .................................................................................................................................................... 45 Tree Planting Report ............................................................................................................................................ 52 Food Bank Report .................................................................................................................................................. 57 Orphan Sponsorship Report ............................................................................................................................. 61 Looking Forward .................................................................................................................................................... 64

3

ABOUT US VISION To serve humanity by aiding local and international communities with poverty relief and educational programs. MISSION To collect and provide non-perishable food items for local food banks. To provide immediate and long-term relief to disaster struck communities. To enrich the community through workshops that promotes mental and physical health. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY We firmly believe that helping local communities will strengthen our future generations. We are committed to implementing our teachings from the Qur’an and Sunnah by contributing to the community.

4

Dhul Hijjah Food Challenge 2013 Report


SERVING HUMANITY

5671 McAdam rd, Mississauga, ON L4Z 1N9 905-366-1099

www.servingthehumanity.wordpress.com

5

[email protected]

OBJECTIVE

Serving Humanity launched an inter-class challenge for the first time that encouraged

students to collect food items. The class that would collect the most food items would

win the challenge. The process of collection was documented on our notice board,

which showed how much food was being collected each day.

PROJECT TIMELINE

October 6 2013 – October 14 2013

PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT

The purpose of this project was to share the importance of giving in the first ten days

of Dhul Hijjah.

Alongside, we wanted to encourage and foster the school spirit of giving. The project

would help bring different programs together under the umbrella of donating food.

PROCEDURE

Announcements were made in each class to explain the details of the project.

Each class was asked to collect food items in their class and by the end of the week;

they would come downstairs to drop off the food items.

For every 10 items they collected; we would put a can on the display board. The cans

would help give a tally to the number of food items collected by all of the classes.

6

The notice board on the women’s side shows the amount of food collected by

each class.

The notice board on the men’s side shows the amount of food collected by

each class.

7

CLASSES PARTICIPATING

1. Taleem al Qur’an 5

2. Al Huda Elementary School

3. All the Hifdh Programs

ACHIEVEMENTS

Collectively, with the help of Allah, all the weekday classes collected a total of 1038

items.

Organisat ions co l laborated with to he lp famil i e s :

1. Muslim Food Assistance Program

2. Muslim Welfare Centre

EXPERIENCE

Young girls and boys rushed to the boards to check for updated scores on which class

was winning. The zeal and enthusiasm with which the classes contributed the food

items was truly inspirational for all the students and staff members.

We saw little girls carrying heavy bags with great excitement and big smiles. The

children helped to uplift everyone’s spirit in the month of Dhul Hijjah as they walked

through the entrance of the building. A teacher came to us and asked out of curiosity,

“why are the children so excited?” Alhamdullilah, all success comes from Allah (swt),

we were overwhelmed with the contribution of food from all classes.

8

Here are some pictures that capture the project’s excitement:

Our young contributors from the Al Huda Elementary School are dropping off

the collected items

9

Children are carefully stacking the items.

Heavy items such as oils, rice and flour were brought in by young girls.

Our cafeteria is quickly filling up from all the food items!

10

Even the teachers helped in bringing the food items.

Lots and lots of cans.

11

All our items are packed and ready to be delivered! Alhamdullilah!

12

Muslim Welfare Centre Field Trip Report


SERVING HUMANITY


www.servingthehumanity.wordpress.com [email protected]

13

OBJECTIVE To demonstrate to students how food is distributed and to provide them with the opportunity to be active within their community. The students were given the task to help pack qurbani meat, organize the shelves with non-perishable food items, greet families that came to collect the meat and food, and also helped prepare food baskets for them. PROJECT TIMELINE On October 17th, 2013, Al Huda Institute Canada took the hifdh students on a field trip to the Muslim Welfare Centre’s Food Bank with their parents. The staff at Al Huda Institute Canada wanted the students to be aware of issues that affect the individuals living within their communitis and to let them actively partcipcate and enagage in ways to help their community. ACHIEVEMENTS This wonderful experience helped the students appreciate the noble act of Qurbani and the importance of giving to those in need. The parents also enjoyed this opportunity and were motivated for future volunteer opportunities.

14

Muslim Welfare Centre Workshop Report


SERVING HUMANITY



15

Sr. Rabiya giving a small information session on Muslim Welfare Centre.

OBJECTIVE Muslim Welfare Centre to hold a workshop for the students about their centre. This was an information based workshop where they were told where all the food from the food drive was going. PROJECT TIMELINE The one day workshop was conducted on October 19th, 2013. PURPOSE They also spoke about their food bank and informed the staff and students that they served approximately 35 families a day.This workshop enabled students to see where the food goes, how the families are helped and who helps them. The seminar was a conclusion to the volunteer project conducted by the hifdh students.

16

Staff and students attend the workshop.

Another topic of discussion at the workshop was about the Muslim Welfare’s Womens Shelter. They informed the staff and students about the environment at the womens shelter and about their programs and services. Muslim Welfare Centre’s services include:

• Free help for all • Free halal food • Free family counseling • Free legal advice • Free school bus service for children • Help with resume • Free computer skills training • Free translation service in English, Urdu, Arabic, Punjabi and Hindi

17

Winter Coat Drive Report


SERVING HUMANITY



18

19

OBJECTIVE

To collect coats that are gently used or brand new.

PROJECT TIMELINE

December 2 2013 - December 8 2013

PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT The idea that started our coat drive was if you have one coat that you are not using; donate it for someone who cannot afford a winter coat. This would project would help us give our gently used items to help the community. Many were encouraged to give new items. PROCEDURE We requested all donations to be labeled and placed in bags. The labels would specify the age and gender. The donations were collected in the back of the masjid area in a large bin.

Donations were nicely placed in bags.

20

LAUNCH We made the announcement in each class, since winter had already begun, everyone knew how severe the temperature gets. Everyone showed great enthusiasm for the project and were willing to participate. ACHIEVEMENTS We collected a total of 330 coats in new and good condition. A total of 150lbs of clothing was collected for da’wah.

The project included people of all ages and coats of many sizes. Alhamdullilah, the response was amazing to our winter coat drive – donations poured into our institute.

Organisat ions co l laborated with to he lp famil i e s :

We worked with Mercy Mission, who started collecting used clothes for da’wah. We asked an individual who decided to donate their coat, exactly why they decided to do this act of kindness. They replied that it was simply to help the less unfortunate to beat this harsh cold winter. As the Globe and Mail reports, “The December ice storm that left hundreds of thousands of Toronto residents without power cost the city approximately $106-million, according to a report from city staff.”

In the midst of our winter coat drive, Muslim Welfare Centre contacted us requesting winter items. Mercy Mission helped Muslim Welfare Centre with clothes that Al Huda Institute collected. A total of 140 items were donated to Muslim Welfare Centre.

21

McMaster Mental Health Workshop Report


SERVING HUMANITY 5671 McAdam rd, Mississauga, ON L4Z 1N9

905-366-1099 www.servingthehumanity.wordpress.com

[email protected]

22

23

OBJECTIVE To introduce concepts of mental health, current research in psychological conditions, and Islamic perspective on treatments. Topics under discussion were:

• Difference between mental health and mental illness • Different mental health conditions

o With a focus on mood and anxiety disorders in women • The Qu’ranic perspective • The scientific perspective • Current research in mental health

o A psychotherapeutic model for Muslim Women • Possible treatments • Ways in keeping yourself mentally fit in our everyday lives

PROJECT TIMELINE The one-day workshop was conducted on Friday, January 24th 2014. PROCEDURE There is a need to create awareness on the subject of mental illnesses. Due to the stigma attached to mental illnesses, many people are unaware of basic information. SPICES aims to educate our community on the basics of Mental Illness.

24

Sr. Nausheen and Sr. Kashmala delivering their talk.

PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT Al Huda Institute Canada had welcomed students from McMaster University to present issues related to mental health. The presenters provided staff and students at Al Huda with the opportunity to expand their knowledge on issues concerning mental health and mental illnesses.

Many sisters attended the workshop.

25

The workshop introduced the audience to basic concepts on Mental Health.

There was a question and answer session at the end of the workshop.

ACHIEVEMENTS Approximately 25 people attended the session. The workshop helped generate much awareness of mental health illnesses. Many of the younger attendees were interested in pursuing careers in mental health.

26

A Spiritual Journey: Umrah Workshop Report


SERVING HUMANITY



27

28

OBJECTIVE The workshop was informational based and provided our attendees with knowledge on the following:

• How to perform ‘Umrah like the Prophet (pbuh) • How to maximize their spiritual experience • Ways in how they can gain the most from their ‘Umrah trip

PROJECT TIMELINE The one-day workshop was conducted on Friday, January 24th 2014.

Families came out in large numbers to gain knowledge.

29

PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT Many families were planning trips to go for Umrah, it was a great opportunity to educate people on maximizing the spiritual benefits they can reap from their trip. PROCEDURE It was an open event advertised to families. There was no pre-registration required. Speaker Br. Aarij Anwer spoke to the audience for 2 hours, followed by a short question and answer session. ACHIEVEMENTS With approximately 100 attendees, Al Huda hosted a very successful workshop on Friday, January 24th, 2014 at Al Huda Masjid open to all brothers and sisters. It was conducted by Br. Aarij Anwer, which started at 6:30 pm and ended at 8:00 pm.

30

Clothing 4 Dawah Partnership Report


SERVING HUMANITY



31

32

OVERVIEW

Al Huda Institute Canada has collaborated up with Mercy Mission Canada to help with one of their newly launched projects: Clothing 4 Dawah.

OBJECTIVE Clothing 4 Dawah is a project that allows individuals to donate any clothes or materials they may have. We accept clothing items for all ages, accessories such as belts, shoes and handbags, and certain household items such as bed linens and curtains. We also accept stuffed toys for children.

TIMELINE March 21 2014 - Present PURPOSE There are various different ways in which donations will be helpful:

33

• Donated materials will be shipped overseas to developing countries providing them with access to cheaper clothes

• Donations will be given to families (locally) who are in need of clothing • Clothes will be sold for recycling purposes or to selected used clothing markets in

order to benefit our local community

Clothing bin located at the back of the Al Huda building in the parking lot.

34

Local Ramadan Food Packages Report


SERVING HUMANITY



35

OBJECTIVE As the month of Ramadan approaches, we wanted to help support families in the holy month. To promote the spirit of giving, we help families with basics to start their Ramadan.

36

PROCEDURE We started the project a month in advance to ensure that families receive the packages before the month of Ramadan begins. We went to each class to make the announcements and explained how they can contribute to the project. There were two options made available:

2) To assemble the package and donate the items, a list below was provided for those families, we made these available at the reception:

2) Donating $35 dollars for the package. A complete package was to be dropped off at the back of the cafeteria.

37

Items that were included in the Local Ramadan Food Packages.

This year we were able to promote the project in on one the Al Huda Takmeel. We set up a booth with a sample of the Local Ramadan Food Packages.

Our Serving Humanity booth promoting the Local Ramadan Food Packages.

ACHIEVEMENTS We collected a total of 124 packages. It is a great accomplishment from last year, we have collected 30 more packages from last year.

38

We had great success with this project, we were able to collect and distribute the packages before Ramadan. Organisat ions co l laborated with :

1. Al Huda Institute Canada 2. Muslim Welfare Centre 3. Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter 4. Food Assistance Program 5. Isna Canada

Our first batch of packages that were donated by one donor.

39

Our young volunteers helping load the packages to the Ernestine’s Women’s

Shelter.

Picture of the first drop off the Local Ramadan Food Packages. Picture is sent by the

Ernestine’s Women Shelter.

40

Ramadan Food Drive Report


SERVING HUMANITY FOOD



41

42

OBJECTIVE In Ramadan, we have an influx of food donations. Since everyone is in the spirit of giving, we count all the food donations under our Ramadan Food Drive. TIMELINE July 15 – July 27 2014 PROCESS We collect all the food in the food bins placed on the women and men section. We do a drop off depending on the fullness of the bin. ACHIEVEMENTS We helped collect a total of 783 items in our Ramadan Food Drive. Organisat ions Col laborated with :

1. Food Assistance Program 2. Eden Wood Food Bank 3. Interim Women’s Shelter

43

Our young volunteer helping load the car.

Another young volunteer helping load the car, the food will be going to Interim

Women’s Shelter.

44

Here more young volunteers help sort food for the Edenwood Food Bank.

45

Toy Drive Report


SERVING HUMANITY



46

47

OBJECTIVE To give brand new presents to deserving families on Eid. TIMELINE July 7 – July 18 2014 PROCESS We made announcements in all the classes 2 weeks prior to Eid. We collected the presents early so that families receive the presents before Eid. Staff and students were asked to bring the present in a gift bag. The gifts were to be dropped off at the back of the cafeteria. ACHIEVEMENTS We collected a total of 937 gifts items. This year there was increase of approximately 300 items from the previous campaign.

48

LIST OF ITEMS DONATED

ITEMS

QUANTITY

Boy’s Clothes

26

Girl’s Clothes

42

Toys

346

Women’s Clothing

94

Men’s Clothing

26

Children’s Clothing

144

Books

26

Stationery

18

Packages

21

Miscellaneous

194

Total

937

49

Organisat ions Col laborated with :

1. Al Huda Institute Canada 2. Muslim Welfare Centre 3. Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter 4. Etobicoke Food Bank 5. National Zakat Foundation/Mercy Mission

Here are some pictures of our volunteers sorting and organizing the many presents received:

Volunteers sort the items according to categories, for example, clothes and toys.

50

Volunteers arrange the toys and pack them.

Gifts ready to be picked up.

51

Presents arrived at Mercy Mission.

52

Tree Planting Report


SERVING HUMANITY



53

54

OBJECTIVE To plant 125 trees in the fall season. TIMELINE

The one-day event was organized on Saturday, September 6 2014. PROCEDURE We posted a sign up sheet on the Serving Humanity for people who would be interested in tree planting. We also advertised online, the interested people would email us for confirming their space. PURPOSE To plant trees and help enrich our environment. ACHIEVEMENTS We had a group of 40 volunteers, who planted a total of 124 trees. Organisat ion co l laborated with :

1. Evergreen partnered with City of Mississauga.

EXPERIENCE Young and senior volunteers came out to plant trees. The weather was favorable to our event. It was a very humbling experience for many to plant trees. Our volunteers dedicated 3.5 hours to planting medium sized trees.

55

Pictures of our volunteers in action:

Our tree planting tools.

56

Our dedicated volunteers digging.

Planting a tree.

. Children and adults are seen participating in this event.

57

Food Bank Report


SERVING HUMANITY



58

59

OVERVIEW Serving Humanity Food Bank began in August 2010 with the mission of providing food and support for all people regardless of age, gender, religion and social background. TIMELINE August 10 – Present PROCESS Our volunteers are students of Al Huda Institute. We work based on the need of the food pick. Here is the process the volunteers follow to distribute the food:

1. Volunteers unload the food bank bin 2. Volunteers sort the food according to the categories of items, for example, a

row of cereals, cans and pasta. 3. Food items are then logged on a piece of paper 4. Volunteers then bag all the item that are counted 5. Volunteers load all the items in the vehicle to be sent.

Once the process is completed, we log in all the items on our Google Documents. ACHIEVEMENTS We have collected a total of 7451 items. Many have contributed to this number through donations and money. We are grateful to all the people who have donated to us.

60

Organisat ions we have co l laborated with :

1. Al Huda Institute 2. Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter 3. Edenwood Food Bank 4. Interim Women’s Shelter 5. Mississauga Food Bank 6. Food Assistance Program 7. Muslim Welfare Centre

Pictures of volunteers helping:

Children learn about the importance of helping their community.

61

Orphan Sponsorship Report


SERVING HUMANITY



62

OVERVIEW “Helping One of Us” was an Orphan Sponsorship program launched under our community services branch, Serving Humanity. We provided staff, students and the community with opportunities to earn a place in Paradise with the Prophet (pbuh). Potential sponsors had two options. They can support local orphans, these are children that are among us yet often times we fail to see their needs and the challenges they face in the absence of a father. Al Huda reaches out to such children and their families and provides them with financial assistance, mainly education. We want to ensure that these children will have a bright future and grow up to be strong, confident Muslims and citizens that will have much to offer to the community. The second option was to sponsor orphans internationally. We worked with Human Concern International (HCI) to sponsor children worldwide. ACHIEVEMENTS Local We have collected a total of $11,429 for local orphan sponsorship. The money goes towards the tuition of Al Huda students. International We have sponsored 56 children worldwide; the duration of the sponsorship is over a year. A letter below by HCI gives the details of our sponsorship efforts:

63

Monday, October 20, 2014

Re: Al Huda Child Sponsorship Program Dear Sr.Wedad, Asaalamu Alaikum, We would like to extend our gratitude to your organization and constituents on behalf of Human Concern International. The donations that we have received from your constituents towards our Child Sponsorship Program (CSP) has supported children in attaining an education and providing them and their families with additional financial assistance. In addition to the aforementioned support, children in our CSP initiative received supplementary assistance through our annual Ramadan and Zabiha/Qurbani programs. The constituents of Al Huda have sponsored a total of 56 children from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kashmir, Palestine, Pakistan, Syria and Somalia. It is due to organizations such as yours that Human Concern International is able to help serve humanity worldwide. Once again, we like to express our sincere appreciation. Sincerley,

Jaafar Dirie, Community Development Officer

64

LOOKING FORWARD We were able to maintain many projects from the previous year. Our goal is to keep our projects consistent. We want to continue to contribute to projects that promote growth in the community through our contribution of food items and educational workshops.