Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association raise $1k for Food Bank during Ramadan

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The Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association had another successful year of fundraising during the Islamic faith’s holiest month of the year, raising $1,000 for the Airdrie Food Bank during Ramadan.

This year’s donation marks the third year in a row that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association in Airdrie made the fundraising effort on behalf of the Airdrie Food Bank during Ramadan.

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Sairah Khan, Volunteer Organizer for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association, said it meant a lot to members of the group to give back to the community during the sacred month.

“During this month we are urged to look after the poor and needy, and to look after their needs as well,” said Khan.

“Whatever we do in this month is like a rehearsal for us to act upon good things throughout the year.”

It’s a tradition that Muslims across the world practice. Associations in every community look for ways to take care of those in need, whether it be through food banks or other means.

“Everybody looks at their community needs. We obviously try to help the food banks, but we also… do regular blood drives in our communities, and here we’ve volunteered for the Festival of Lights for the last few years. We’ve also helped the Alberta Children’s Hospital and given food to the Alpha House in Calgary,” said Khan.

The group originally hosted a food drive in 2019, but opted to make cash donations after the COVID-19 pandemic started in the interest of safety.

“Normally we would get together for our prayers, meetings, and other events, but because that hasn’t been happening recently, the best way for us to contribute was through this contactless method,” said Khan.

$1,000 was raised last year as well, and Khan said it was the goal that was set for this year.

Lori McRitchie, Executive Director of the Airdrie Food Bank, said the donation goes a long way, especially in a time of uncertainty for many people.

“It goes a long way to help us restock and be ready for the need. This year we’re not really sure what to expect or what’s going to happen, particularly with additional lockdowns and things,” said McRitchie.

“We’re going to continue to see an increase in need, so programs right now are more important than they’ve ever been,” she said.

“I think we’re going to see a real surge in need in the next few weeks, and I really hope that it’s temporary but you just don’t know. I totally understand the need for shutting things down, but the impact of that has rippled everywhere.”

The donation equals about 1,000 snacks that can be bought by the Food Bank. It will go to a variety of food types to top up hampers that will be provided.

McRitchie said any food donation helps. The Airdrie Food Bank has a list of the most-needed food types on their website, and folks can also send cash donations online as well.

People can also deposit non-perishable items to Food Bank boxes located in grocery stores if they feel like offering some help.