Jun 03, 2018 by Maryam Mirza, Mississauga News
When Farida Pedhiwala couldn’t articulate the importance of giving charity and sharing wealth to the less fortunate with her three-year-old son, Adam, she decided she was going to show him instead.
Inspired by her son, Pedhiwala began a program — in partnership with ICNA Relief Canada in Mississauga — and will be collecting toy donations until July 4 that will be distributed to families through the food bank to children celebrating Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr, a celebration marking the end of Ramadan, is a day where families come together, eat, and give presents to children.
Pedhiwala says like her family donates and volunteers with different charities during December for Christmas, she wanted to do it for Eid as well, and hopes to see the program become an annual event.
“I have the fondest memories of my (late) grandfather (who) always (had) our eidy (gift) ready,” Pedhiwala said. “It wasn’t so much about the … (materialistic aspect) … it was about the excitement, completing all the fasts, being a good example all month, and celebrating the day with friends and family. I can’t imagine a kid having Eid without eidy.”
Pedhiwala says as Adam is turning three in July, he is beginning to wonder and grasp the reason behind fasting. She added she wanted to help him do the same with what it means to give to the less fortunate, and suggested he donate some of his toys to a centre that would distribute toys on Eid.
After doing some research Pedhiwala found her community didn’t have an Eid toy drive, so she contacted ICNA food bank to set one up herself.
ICNA Relief Canada is a registered, community-led charitable organization that has served over 57,000 individuals and 14,000 families across Canada, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, class, location, religion, colour, cultural background, political affiliation, or social status.
Article Courtesy: Mississauga
