Muslim community welcomes Ramadan with food drive

The Coalition of Muslim Women in Kitchener-Waterloo is organizing its second annual food drive during Ramadan — the ninth month of the year in the Muslim calendar, during which fasting happens from sunrise to sunset. 

Fauzia Baig, the coordinator of the campaign, said the holiday marks a good opportunity to "understand the challenges of hunger that many people face." 

"The spirit of Ramadan is that people come together and they reflect — they think of ways they can help their neighbour, their community, and so in that spirit, it focuses our energy on fighting hunger." 

Baig is asking the public to donate to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. 

"For those who are fasting, we say, 'consider that money you'd spend on a coffee a day and donate that,'" said Baig. 

Last year, the campaign raised $12,000. This year, Baig said she hopes to raise $15,000. 

"We hope to do even better this year," she said.​

Wendi Campell, the executive director at the food bank, said the campaign is "a great example of the community working together." 

"Being supported through this campaign is such a great thing for the food bank," said Campell. "[It's] at a really important time of year when we're trying to raise food to get through the summer months."

Campbell said the funds raised will be used toward constructing and providing equipment for the food processing room, so the food bank can handle more fresh foods for the community. 

Baig said her Ramadan fast will be ending with "Iftaar" — a meal served at sunset to break the fast.