Dawoodi Bohras Commit Funds to Provide 250,000 Meals to Food Banks Mississauga
The Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community of Mississauga has announced a five-year partnership and a contribution of funds to provide 250,000 meals in support of Food Banks Mississauga. This significant contribution is part of ‘Project Rise’, a global initiative established by the Dawoodi Bohra community to improve the lives of the less fortunate, and is the largest gift that Food Banks Mississauga has ever received from a religious community.
The partnership was launched in the presence of Shahzada Husain Burhanuddin, son of the worldwide leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, who was visiting the Greater Toronto Area to spread his respected father’s teachings of kindness, compassion, and helping those in need. The launch event was attended by Todd Fisher, Board Chair of Food Banks Mississauga, along with Kimberley Souliere, Director of Development and Katie Craig, Community Partnerships Coordinator. During the launch event, the community made a symbolic food donation to Food Banks Mississauga, signifying its resolve to address food insecurity in Mississauga and the beginning of the 5-year partnership.
“Thank you to the Dawoodi Bohra community for their generosity in supporting neighbours living with food insecurity across Mississauga. This significant gift is the largest that Food Banks Mississauga has ever received from a religious community,” says Meghan Nicholls, CEO of Food Banks Mississauga. “In March, we served a record-breaking 19,342 food bank users – the highest in our history and a 20% increase from last year. There is no indication that this growing, urgent need in our city will slow down, and we are grateful to have partners like the Dawoodi Bohras by our side who recognize the scale of the challenge.”
Food Banks Mississauga is the leading food security organization in Mississauga with a network of 65+ agency members, including neighbourhood food banks, pantries, cupboards, and meal and snack programs, working together to realize a food-secure Mississauga. Through their network, they provide healthy and appropriate food for almost six million meals each year to neighbours living with food insecurity across the city. And they are projecting they will provide food for over eight million meals this year.
Behlah Ayman, President of the Mississauga Dawoodi Bohra community shared, “Combating food insecurity has long been an initiative of the global Dawoodi Bohra community which is why community Kitchens—known as Faizul Mawaid al Burhaniyah—have been set up in cities and towns worldwide. This support for Food Banks Mississauga reflects the values and commitment of the Dawoodi Bohra community to ensure nobody goes to bed hungry. Through this sustained program, we will strive to alleviate hunger and foster a more equitable and healthier future for all.”
Brad Butt, Councillor of Ward 11, Mississauga, stated: “The City of Mississauga is grateful to the Dawoodi Bohras for their very generous donation to support Food Banks Mississauga. Their commitment to address food insecurity in our community is very appreciated.”
The Dawoodi Bohra community in Mississauga, comprising more than 650 families, has been an integral part of the Greater Mississauga Area for decades. Their commitment to peaceful coexistence and community welfare underscores their dedication to positively impacting the region.
The Bohra community is steadfast in its mission to work alongside all communities to uplift society. Their values closely align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas such as poverty eradication, hunger relief, health and education improvement, female empowerment, waste reduction, and environmental preservation.
