Islamic Relief Canada WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO
WHO WE ARE Islamic Relief Canada is a humanitarian and development organization that works in over 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving humanitarian aid to those in need, and fighting poverty through sustainable development projects. Inspired by faith, we serve everyone in need regardless of gender, race or religion. By the grace of God, Islamic Relief Canada has become the largest Muslim NGO and charity in Canada. With your trust and support, you have helped us touch the lives of over 30 million people.
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WHERE WE WORK
AFGHANISTAN ALBANIA BANGLADESH
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BOSNIA BURMA CHAD
ISLAMIC RELIEF CANADA
CHECHNYA CHINA ETHIOPIA
HAITI INDIA INDONESIA
IRAQ JORDAN KENYA
“To feed at a time of severe hunger... those are the people of th e rightmost path .” Quran 90:14-17
KOSOVO LEBANON LIBYA
MALAWI MALI NIGER
PAKISTAN PALESTINE SOMALIA
SOUTH AFRICA SRI LANKA SUDAN
SYRIA YEMEN
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WHAT WE DO EMERGENCY RELIEF
ORPHAN SPONSORSHIP
First responders in the face of conflict and disasters, saving lives through urgent food, water and medical support, while helping families rebuild after.
Caring for the most vulnerable children around the world with health, safety, clean water, nutrition, education and protection through a one-to-one sponsorship model, and community projects.
QURBANI & RAMADAN
LIVELIHOOD
Distributing food in Ramadan and Qurbani/Udhiya meat packs on Eid to families most in need.
Empowering women and families to run their own businesses, as a vital key to bringing communities out of poverty.
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FOOD & NUTRITION
ZAKAT & SADAQAH
Implementing innovative food solutions globally to increase food security, food sustainability, fight malnutrition and improve maternal health.
Zakat transforms lives in over 30 countries, given to empower the most vulnerable and needy and lift them out of poverty.
PROTECTION
WATER & SANITATION
Promoting human rights, dignity and international humanitarian law through quality services, advocacy and a community-based approach.
Working hard to ensure that greater water equality, sanitation and hygiene is achieved to improve the basic health of the communities.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
HEALTH & MEDICAL
Increasing access to equitable education, improving standards and facilities, and investing in better capacity for teachers and caregivers.
Reducing illness and saving lives by increasing access to health services, supporting hospitals and clinics with medicine and equipment, and improving community efforts on disease prevention.
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OUR APPROACH We respond immediately to emergencies caused by conflict or disasters, by providing life-saving humanitarian aid and support to those affected. Even after the cameras leave, we stay and help communities recover and rebuild. We help communities break the cycle of poverty by increasing access to basic services, including education, water, sanitation, and healthcare. Through livelihood projects, skills development and mentorship, we make sustainable development a reality. Our integrated approach to progress helps transform lives worldwide. We take special care to reach those who are most at risk, through careful assessment. This especially means orphan children, conflictaffected and displaced people, families in extreme poverty, people with disabilities, widows and single mothers, pregnant and nursing women, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Inspired by faith, we serve everyone in need regardless of gender, race or religion.
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POLICY, RESEARCH & ADVOCACY We believe in working proactively to publish research and advocate for policies which can help mitigate and prevent crises to make a real difference in communities around the world. Climate change, female genital mutilation (FGM), domestic violence, and refugee conditions—we study and speak out about them all. Our research and advocacy work has taken the form of in-depth reports, news and magazine articles, national roundtable discussions, local and international conferences, and international platforms like the United Nations. We meet with government officials and world leaders regularly to advocate for change, making sure the voices of those we serve are heard by those in power. Learn more and read our publications by visiting us online at islamicrelief.ca/what-we-do/research
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PROGRAMS SPOTLIGHT
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GROUP A AFGHANISTAN BANGLADESH CHAD CHECHNYA ETHIOPIA KENYA MALI
GROUP B ALBANIA INDONESIA IRAQ
GROUP C BOSNIA JORDAN KOSOVO LEBANON
$50 PER MONTH MALAWI NIGER SOMALIA SOUTH AFRICA SRI LANKA SUDAN YEMEN
$60 PER MONTH PAKISTAN TUNISIA
$75 PER MONTH PALESTINE GAZA TURKEY SYRIA
ORPHAN SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM Orphans are some of the world’s most vulnerable young people. Without support and care, they are at a higher risk for a lack of clean water, food, healthcare and education. Our orphan sponsorship program allows you to fill that gap. Through a monthly commitment, you are paired with an orphan to help provide them with education, health, nutrition, safe shelter and clean water. Become an orphan sponsor by signing up online at islamicrelief.ca or over the phone at 1-855-377-4673.
GLOBAL EMERGENCIES When emergencies strike, immediate response is vital. But there is so much more support that affected communities need. So, when the cameras leave, we stay. Your monthly donation means we can respond to the most urgent of situations without waiting to launch an appeal. It means that we can assist the community with recovery, and build resilience to move forward. Become a monthly supporter by signing up online at islamicrelief.ca or over the phone at 1-855-377-4673. ISLAMIC RELIEF CANADA | 9
INSPIRE Have you always wanted to travel abroad and be part of our projects? The Inspire Volunteer Abroad is an amazing opportunity for both youth and adults to gain a hands-on learning of relief work, raising awareness, fundraising and travel. From Bosnia, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, and South Africa, our volunteers continue to contribute in a positive way to our projects, and travel with deep purpose. Learn more about opportunities this year and get started by visiting us online at islamicrelief.ca/inspire.
CHALLENGES Islamic Relief Challenges are opportunities to engage in physically demanding adventures all over the world, as well as raise funds for our projects. From Canada to Peru, Spain, Turkey, Morocco and beyond, our participants have raised funds to build water systems in Sudan, provide urgent relief in Yemen, and help the people of Syria rebuild their lives. Learn more and sign up by visiting us online at islamicrelief.ca/challenges.
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SUCCESS STORIES
KENYA Sustainable Food & Water Because of Islamic Relief, I am leading change within my community.
we have security for our girls, they cannot undergo any harm.
My role in the community started when I attended a meeting organized by an agency. At first, my husband frowned upon my attendance. He believed that these meetings were meant for important discussions by men.
We were also trained in farming, and how to develop savings for ourselves. We couldn’t believe that we would be able to harvest butternut, tomatoes, kale and okra on our farm! Our community group now has $1000 in savings.
But my thirst for knowledge only grew.
Today, I am the Chairlady of our community’s group. I push myself harder each day because I want my girls to understand their role in the community and in the home.
I used to share what I learned with him until he finally realized the importance of this work. With his support, I would teach the women and girls anything I learned and try to protect their rights. Our girls would walk for 9 kilometres every day in search of water. They were always in danger of attack, and dropping out of school. I breathed a sigh of relief when I found out that Islamic Relief was going to construct a water system in our village. With water,
I am so thankful for all the knowledge shared by Islamic Relief. I believe that with guidance, girls grow to be independent and supportive women who are leaders in their community.
— KANZE* FROM KENYA *Name changed for beneficiary’s privacy
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SUCCESS STORIES
PAKISTAN
Orphan Sponsorship & Education
It’s been 6 years since Islamic Relief sponsored my son. In the beginning, I was really not confident because this was all new to me. After seeing Islamic Relief’s programs, I started getting more involved. I used to have nothing. My house was not safe or livable. I wasn’t able to fight for myself or my situation. I used to work before serving in people’s houses and so many odd jobs, but I became so exhausted. Now I operate as a volunteer organizing programs, going to people’s houses, assessing their needs and making sure they receive help. Through this NGO I've been able to gain confidence in myself. I do this for the people who have nothing. Like them, I once had nothing.
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However, because I’ve held their hand, God has held my hand. It is only because of the prayers of the community I have come to this point. Now, at the age of 32, I started my own education. I started from Grade 9 again because I want to move forward in life and become something. It's really for my children and other mothers around me. All praise to God for the way things are now. I would like to thank Islamic Relief, and you, from the bottom of my heart.
— SHUMAILA* FROM PAKISTAN *Name changed for beneficiary’s privacy
RECOGNITIONS
“What Islamic Relief is doing, what you are doing as volunteers […] in our daily lives as Canadians is something worth celebrating. So thank you very much, shukran, for letting me be a part of this.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
“I want to give special thanks to Islamic Relief Canada for our project and our partnership together. I am really looking forward to it, so we could reach more young girls and give access to safe and quality education.” Malala Yousafzai
“We are so grateful for Islamic Relief, who made it possible for me and my family to establish a beautiful charitable project in honour of my beloved daughter. They are a reliable partner, and this is a golden opportunity to contribute to something that you know will see results immediately.” Dr. Ingrid Mattson ISLAMIC RELIEF CANADA | 13
HOW TO DONATE
Mail Islamic Relief Canada 3501 Mainway, Burlington, ON L7M 1A9
Online islamicrelief.ca
Call our office 1.855.377.4673 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (EST) All donations are tax deductible.
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GET INVOLVED
Volunteer
Fundraise For Us
From events to going abroad to local initiatives, the possibilities are endless, and it all starts with you!
Advocate for a cause and get your friends involved! Whether in lieu of birthday gifts or in memory of a loved one.
Sign up at islamicrelief.ca/volunteer
Start today at islamicrelief.ca/crowdfunding
Challenges
Follow & Share
Be part of our local challenges as well our life-changing trips around the world all for a good cause!
Be part of our exciting online journey and follow us on social media!
Sign up at islamicrelief.ca/challenges
islamicrelief.canada IRCanada islamicreliefcanada ISLAMIC RELIEF CANADA | 15
3501 Mainway Burlington, ON L7M 1A9 www.islamicrelief.ca 1-855-377-4673 (HOPE) Registered Charity No. 821896875RR0001