Ramadan Toy & Cash Drive Supports Children’s Health

Pictured left to right:  Naseem Abdo, Yusuf Abdo, Mehar Rashid, and Muneeb Ikram.  

Once again our friends at Markaz-Ul-Islam, Fort McMurray Islamic Center, and the Fort McMurray Islamic School, organized a toy drive during the holy month of Ramadan for children staying or receiving treatment at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre.

This is the third extremely successful toy drive held by the local Islamic community. Naseem Abdo, volunteer for Markaz-Ul-Islam shares the importance of charity during this special time for Muslims. "One may wonder, what is Ramadan and why was the toy drive done at this time? Ramadan is the 9th lunar month of the Islamic calendar and is a time where Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. It is a time of spiritual reflection, charity and giving back to the community. During the entire month of Ramadan, the Mosque and Islamic School collected new toys so they could be given to sick children and youth in the hospital. The Muslim community responded generously with over 300 toys donated!”

On May 11th, a mountain of toys for children of all ages and a cheque for $1,500 were delivered to the Health Foundation office. As we are currently under pandemic restrictions the toys will be distributed among various departments at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre when the departments reopen. The gifts are meant for the children to enjoy during their stay at the Health Centre and then taken home. We’re sure these toys will bring smiles to many young faces long after their time at the Health Centre!