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SMA will be handing out the dinner proceeds to OXFAM Canada towards their humanitarian projects in the Horn of Africa.
]]> Cheque presentation will be conducted at our location in the near future. All interested public are welcome to attend the presentation and hear from OXFAM's representative about their projects in the Horn of Africa.]]>]]>
The hunger crisis is one that affected many in Africa and all over the world. Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan speaking on World Food Day (Oct 16, 2008) said “10,000 children in the Third World would die from malnutrition before the day was out.” This, he said “should be seen as a tragedy as great as the collapse of a bank”.” Mr. Annan added, “The financial crisis deserves urgent attention, but so does hunger. Millions are liable to die, is that any less urgent?”
Dinner tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children (5-12). Two sittings will be available at 5.00 and 6.30pm. Take out orders are also available with free delivery for four or more orders. Chemical valley plants will also receive free delivery. The dinner will be buffet style with items from the Middle East and South Asian cuisine. Tickets are available at Degroot’s Nurseries, Dino's Pizza, Rangoon International Foods and Sarnia Muslim Association (519) 541-1335
Read Press Release issued by the association on World Food Day:
On the World Food Day, Sarnia Muslim Association is launching a Fund raising campaign in Aid of the Food Crisis in the Horn of Africa
In response to the global food crisis Sarnia Muslim Association will be hosting an ethnic fund raising dinner on November 10, 2008. Proceeds from the dinner will go to areas affected by food crisis in Africa.
The current global food crisis has touched the lives of many people around the world. It is estimated that 100 million people around the globe are pushed to marginal survival due to this crisis. Relief organizations are facing tremendous pressures due to the huge demand and the skyrocketing cost of food.
“We do not know how high food prices might go, nor how far they could fall. But one thing is certain: We have gone from an era of plenty to one of scarcity” wrote UN Secretary General Pan Ki-moon in the International Herald Tribune (France), May 2008. “Experts agree that food prices are not likely to return to the levels the world had grown accustomed to any time soon. Consumers are grumbling even in the wealthy nations of Europe and the United States. But imagine the situation of those living on less than $1 a day - the "bottom billion," the poorest of the world's poor. Most live in Africa, and many might typically spend two-thirds of their income on food,” he added.
In a news conference (May 2, 2008) the UN council's new independent expert on the right to food, Olivier De Schutter, said "If we had a hundred million people arrested in a dictatorial regime, if we had a hundred million persons beaten up by police, of course we would be marching on the streets and we'd be convening special sessions of the Human Rights Council." "Every single one of these hundred million individuals deserves the same degree of attention from the international community," he added.
As the world observes “World Food Day” on October 16, the Sarnia Muslim Association is launching its fund raising campaign to help those suffering from food shortage in Africa. The Association will be hosting an ethnic dinner on November 10, 2008. The Association will be also collecting monetary donations for the cause. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations $10 or more.
Ethnic dinner tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children (ages 5-12). Two sittings will be available at 5:00 and 6:30pm. Take out orders are also available with free delivery for four or more orders. Chemical Valley plants will also receive free delivery. The dinner will be a buffet style with items from the Middle East, and South Asian cuisine.
We are very excited about this event and wish to attract a large crowd for this worthy cause. As with our sold out events last year, we are counting on you and all Sarnians to make this event a success. For more information please call:
Media contacts:
Sarnia Muslim Association Sandra Khudhair (519-541-0300)/(519-383-0020)
Yasser Ibrahim (519-542-2642)/(519-339-2911)
Sahar Nasr
SMA Care and Share Team
Four political candidates in the upcoming federal elections will be visiting with us during the dinner. The four are: Pat Davidson (Conservatives), Tim Fugard (Liberal), Andy Bruziewicz (NDP), Christopher Desormoreaux-Malm (Christian Heritage Party). There will be an opportunity to mingle with the candidates during the dinner and get to know them and their views more.
]]>Please note that Eid prayer will be held @ 9:00 on Wednesday, Oct. 1st & Takbeer starts at 8:30AM. Do not forget to pay Zakatul Fitr before Eid Prayer; it is $8 per person.
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The Sarnia Observer. Saturday, Sept 6, 20087
Ramadan Food Drive
By TYLER KULA, THE OBSERVER
Fasting for the month of Ramadan began Tuesday which, in Sarnia, includes a food drive for the Inn of the Good Shepherd.
"We've been doing this for several years and it's really one of the biggest activities for us," said Yasser Ibrahim, president of the Sarnia Muslim Association.
Muslims attending area mosques are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items, which will be accumulated over the course of September and given to the Inn at the end of the month.
]]> Anyone who isn't Muslim but still wishes to contribute to the food drive can drop off items at area mosques as well.Ramadan is one of the biggest religious events of the Islamic calendar. During the month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food and drink.
Muslims also devote extra time for worship with nightly prayers that last about one hour.
"I think the basic concept is for people to feel the hardship that some people feel almost on a daily basis," said Ibrahim.
He added it's an opportunity to recharge the spiritual battery and to purify the soul.
"It's a great opportunity for Muslims to connect with God and elevate themselves spiritually."
September 30 is the last day of fasting. Ramadan concludes with Eid ul-Fitr, a celebration that features an exchange of gifts.
Muslims are also required to pay a small donation to the needy following Ramadan.
The Huffaz will conduct Taraweeh prayers every night following Isha prayer. The prayer will start at 9:30PM.
For more details on moon sighting of Hilal Committee check their website.
]]>Please check website on Sunday night or call the association (519-541-1335) for Ramadan announcemnet.
]]>SMA thanks our business sponsors, donors and the media for all their support. We greatly appreciate all the volunteers and helpers during this activity, may God Almighty reward you the best.
The proceeds from the event will support “Skill & Drill” program by Organization for Literacy and “Homework Hub” by Learning Disabilities Association. For more information, visit the following websites:
Learning Disabilities Association and Organization for Literacy