By Fatima Khan
Seven volunteers from the Imdadul Islamic Centre were on April 7, 2019 presented with volunteer awards by the Hon. Judy Sgro, MP for Humber River-Black Creek at the Jamaican Canadian Center. Those receiving the awards were: Adam Noor, Alysha Aziz, Fatima Khan, Ishmel Ibrahim, Kassim Ardeh, Mohammad Yunus and Sherry Aziz.
Imdadul Centre has been known for sparking the interest of the youth in areas of volunteerism. The organization offers the following programs to which many of the young people have gravitated: feeding the homeless, preparing iftar every night during the month of Ramadan, community food bank, seniors programs, etc.
The awards given on April 7 is just a token recognition for the dedication and hard work of these individuals in the community.
Commenting on the volunteers and their awards, Kenty Khan who is a long time supporter and friend of Imdadul Centre offered these encouraging words: “I give credit to those that are volunteering in so many different ways for the betterment of all, in their community. Receiving an award for volunteerism must only be the impetus for volunteering more.”
Osman Khan, secretary of the Imdadul Centre and the person responsible for integrating the youth into the Mosque expressed his delight: “It is amazing to see the influx of youth trying to get involved in the community. It’s a gratifying feeling, I couldn’t be happier."
The Imdadul Centre has, over the years, created a safe and comfortable atmosphere for the youth to express themselves, allowing them to share their thoughts and ideas in a place where people listen and take them seriously so they feel that their voices are being heard.
The youth were given not just a physical award but an emotional reward and a morale booster. The award helps to create feelings of contentment, satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
The next big project for the youth involves raising funds for the Cancer Society by handing out daffodils in return for donations at Imdadul's Annual Food Fair on Good Friday, April 19th. These youths have become humanitarians without knowing it. They are the future.