In Ramadan 2017 I organized an Eid Gift Drive for about 18 newcomer families helped by my friend Wendy Mitchell. This became an annual Ramadan tradition, with the number of beneficiary families increasing every year, until 2022 when Wendy told me it would be better to organize a Food Hamper Drive as grocery prices had skyrocketed and her families were struggling.

Also, every Ramadan, Wendy would receive enough financial donations to be able to support her families in a variety of ways throughout the year. Last year was the first time she didn’t receive enough and the funds dried up several months ago.

I appreciate we all have less to spare nowadays while the number of appeals to help the needy in Calgary and abroad has risen dramatically in these tough times. However, even a small amount can go a long way.

I am humbly asking all those who have participated in my Eid Gift and Food Hamper Drives over the years to please support this campaign by giving $5, $10 or $20 and sharing with 5, 10 or 20 people and we will soon reach our target.

Just a reminder, Fidya, Zakat and Zakat-ul-Fitr donations are also accepted and as it is recommended to pay these as early as possible in Ramadan, now is a great time to do so.

Who is Wendy?

A qualified social worker who volunteers full-time to assist newcomer and refugee families.

Who are the families?

There are about 120 families from all over the world on Wendy's roster. They are referred to Wendy by the local mosques and by the City of Calgary and have all been vetted.

Why do they need support?

For various reasons and combinations of reasons,

they are severely impacted by health, age, housing, finances and their status in Canada.

They are in extreme hardship and in need of support in the interim until they can become self-sufficient.

What support does Wendy give them?

In a variety of ways just a few of which are help with applying for benefits, completing forms and documentation, accompanying them on appointments, school registration, job-hunting, finding them suitable accommodation and ensuring they have access to food and groceries.

What will the money be spent on?

Whatever the families need and cannot provide for themselves such as rent, utilities, cellphones, clothing, food, toiletries, furniture, medicine, legal fees, LRT tickets and gas for Wendy to make deliveries to the families. The need and amount varies from family to family and Wendy assesses the level of urgency.

Can you give specific examples?

Yes, below is a list of what Wendy is asked to provide financial assistance for in a typical month:

$50 feminine hygiene products

$100 diapers

$60+ rice

$120 gas for delivery

3-4 requests for rent assistance

Utilities assistance

Can I send money directly to Wendy instead of through Go Fund Me?

Yes. Please contact me to find out how to do this.

Can I give my Fidya/Zakat ul Fitr/Zakat?

Yes. The fidya rate this year is $15 per day. Zakat ul Fitr is also set at $15 per person in your household.

Can I use my grocery store points to buy and donate a gift card for groceries?

Superstore gift cards are accepted. Please contact me to find out how to do this.

Will you provide updates on how the funds raised are spent throughout the year?

Yes