MWC 2014 Annual Report online

Annual Report 2014
Give Hope
Today
Muslim Welfare Centre
Service to humanity is service to Allah (God)
Since 1993
Contents
President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................01
01
03
Food & Essential Items Bank .. . . . . . . . . . . 03
Village Development – Pakistan . . . . .. . . . . 15
CANADIAN PROGRAMS
Project Ramadan .......................... 04
Disaster Relief ........... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Home for Needy Women & Children . . . 06
Water Exploration ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Meals on Wheels .......................... 05
Emergency Motel ......................... 07
Public School Nutrition .................. 08
Free Medical Clinic ....................... 09
Al Abbas Mussallah ...................... 09
02
WHAT’S NEW & UPCOMING
Halal Meals on Wheels for Seniors . . . . . 11
Iqra Ramadan Radio Program . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Inuvik Food Bank ......................... 13
“A man’s true wealth is the
good he does in this world.”
-Prophet Muhammad n
(570-632 CE)
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
MWC Documentary ...................... 13
New Website .............................. 13
MWC Newsletter ......................... 13
Support a Child .......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Qurbani & Zabiha ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
04
SPECIAL EVENTS
Gala & Annual Dinner .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Halal Food Fest TO ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
MuslimFest .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Reviving the Islamic Spirit (RIS) . . .. . . . . 22
Volunteers ........... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Gratitude ............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Board of Directors & Team . . . . . 26
Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Looking Back ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
01
President’s
Message
Dear Friends,
I greet you with Peace…Assalaamu Alaikum.
By the grace of God another year of serving
humanity has flown by!
I’m pleased to inform you that while our past
projects have seen improvements, we also were
focused on implementing new programs in
2013. In collaboration with the International
Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF), the
village development program in Qadir Baksh Rind,
Pakistan has progressed well. By the grace of God,
we expect the first phase to be completed such that
over five hundred villagers will experience Ramadan
in their new homes. Future plans include rebuilding
of the school, medical clinic and mosque, as well as
implementing sustainability programs under our
disaster relief commitment.
At the Muslim Welfare Centre, we are guided by the belief that service to
humanity is service to Allah (God). We are committed to serving those in
need, irrespective of religion, nationality, caste or creed.
In Canada, we are involved in the fight against poverty and homelessness
and are focused on providing food, health care services, culturally-sensitive
shelter for women, their children and families in distress, and healthy
nutrition to our school children and seniors.
Our international focus involves promoting literacy through our free
schools; access to clean water through water exploration projects; and
providing relief assistance, including construction of shelters and
establishing free medical clinics in countries facing natural disasters.
In terms of our local focus, we increased funding to
the Toronto District School Board for their Public
School Nutrition Program and are now supporting
eleven schools across the Greater Toronto Area. This
program provides healthy food in a safe and caring
environment ensuring students get a nutritious
start to their day and prepares them to learn.
We expanded our collaboration with the Regional
Municipality of Durham with the Emergency Motel
Program being launched through the Muslim
Welfare Home in Whitby, Ontario. This program
caters to individuals and families, including mothers
with male children over the age of 13, who we could
not otherwise be serve in our existing facility.
For the sixth year running, we are partnering with
Project Ramadan to create food baskets for families
registered in our food bank. Our goal this year is
to distribute 1,500 specially-prepared food baskets
across the city, during the holy month of Ramadan.
Finally, I am pleased to include a summary of
2013 financial highlights in this annual report. As
you may notice, we have allocated funds to cover
expansion of our food bank related services in
Canada and to acquire our own office space to ensure
we are better able to deliver services to our diverse
client base. We remain committed to ensuring that
zakaat funds are distributed appropriately in the
year collected. We look forward to your support in
this expansion project, Insha’Allah.
I would like extend my sincere thanks to our
volunteers and staff for their drive, dedication,
passion and expertise. Their tireless efforts are what
make this organization run and I cannot thank them
enough for that. I would also like to thank the Board
for their dedication and valuable time. And finally
to our generous donors who have supported us
throughout the years, this organization would not be
thriving today without your ongoing contributions.
In closing, even though our founders are no
longer with us, Muslim Welfare Centre represents
their vision and desire to serve humanity. Their
pioneering efforts and sacrifice drive us all; staff,
volunteers, and directors in this noble service.
Major Muhammad Abbas Ali and his wife
Sarwar Jahan Begum laid the foundation of this
organization in 1993 and we pray that God blesses
their souls - Ameen.
Sincerely,
Shahid A. Khan
President
01
CANADIAN
PROGRAMS
“Those who give to charity night and day, secretly and
publicly, receive their recompense from their Lord;
they will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.”
[The Qur’an: chapter 2, verse 274]
Sharing Hope for
A Better Future.
Food & Essential
Items Bank
In 1993, the pioneering efforts of Major Muhammad
Abbas Ali (1921-2009) and his wife, Sarwar Jahan
Begum (1928-2013) launched the Muslim Welfare
Centre and its Halal Food & Essential Items Bank.
From the very beginning, the food bank has
provided individuals and families with nonperishable food items and halal meat. Additionally,
essential household items, clothing, footwear and
winter gear are provided. There has always been a
special focus on children and so we have provide
backpacks at the start of the school year, as well
as presents during the holiday season - our special
thanks to the donors for working with us to provide
this service.
Restoring dignity to over 8,400 families
with over 10,000 community visits
We have a database of over 8,400 registered families
who rely on our food banks to supplement their food
requirement. In 2013, our food bank received over
10,500 family visits. Clients are served through our
two main branches in Scarborough and Mississauga,
Ontario. Additionally, we arrange delivery of
food baskets to diverse community groups with
accessibility challenges; most recently the North
Korean refugees in Toronto. The most common
items requested by our clients include:
• Rice & Flour
• Halal meat
• Baby formula
•Oil
•Cereals
•Pasta
(canned or dry)
•Lentils
• Powdered milk
• Canned fruits
& vegetables
• Dried beans •Sugar
•Diapers
04
Our food banks are open to all in need, including:
• The unemployed
• Social welfare
assistance recipients
•Employment
insurance recipients
•Refugees
• New immigrants
Our Essential Items bank also provides assistive
devices like wheel chairs, walkers, etc., on free, short
term loan to seniors, visitors and other individuals
in need. Please contact us to check for availability.
05
SCARBOROUGH LOCATION
Monday to Thursday and Saturday
(Including Holidays) 2:00 – 4:00 pm
In 2009, Muslim Welfare Centre began a collaboration
with Move Your Community (now called Project
Ramadan), a volunteer­run youth organization with
a simple mission: help provide families in need with
enough food staples to create enjoyable and healthy
meals for one month. Moreover, the Muslim holy
month of fasting was selected as an ideal time to
implement this spirit of sharing.
Every year since, a large number of Project Ramadan
volunteers come together with us to build food
Over 200,000 meals served
to Toronto’s homeless
Registration is done by appointment only. For more
information or to register, please call 416-335-9994,
or visit our Scarborough office.
MISSISSAUGA LOCATION
Monday to Thursday and Sunday
(Including Holidays) 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Despite its prominence as the economic centre
of Canada, Toronto has struggled with chronic
homelessness. It’s estimated that over 5,000 people
are homeless on any given day.
Registration is done by appointment only. For more
information or to register, please call 905-281-9730,
or visit our Mississauga office.
Project
Ramadan Food
Baskets
Help feed those in need.
Creating baskets - building
bridges.
Meals On
Wheels
HOURS OF OPERATION:
JOIN US IN THE SPIRIT OF
SHARING THIS RAMADAN:
• SPONSOR A BASKET: Your generous
donation of $50 will provide a family of
four with staple food items for a month.
• DONATE SUPPLIES: Muslim Welfare
baskets and support the communities in which they
live. These specially- prepared food baskets carry a
retail value of approximately $120, but thanks to the
support of generous suppliers, they are available to
be sponsored by you for just $50.
These baskets are distributed to needy families across
the GTA who are registered with Muslim Welfare
Centre’s GTA food banks located in Scarborough
and Mississauga. With over 3,300 prepared and
distributed since the launch , and with another 1,500
planned for this year, Project Ramadan food baskets
are an important source of nourishment which
families in need have come to rely on.
Centre and Project Ramadan are
always looking to expand the
relationships with suppliers in order
to be able to pack more quantity and
nutrition into our food baskets.
• BECOME A VOLUNTEER: Please visit
our website for more information on
how you can get involved.
Since 2001, Muslim Welfare Centre has provided
Toronto’s homeless with food through our Meals
on Wheels program. Every Saturday, volunteers
gather to prepare over 300 lunch bags consisting of
a sandwich or burger, seasonal fruit and a juice box.
Once prepared, these lunches are hand-delivered
to the homeless in various shelter locations in
downtown Toronto.
This program runs every Saturday (rain or shine,
winter or summer), 52 weeks a year. We are proud
to say that we have not missed a single Saturday
since we started; thanks to our dedicated volunteers
and donors.
Last year, we distributed over 16,000 lunch bags.
During the winter months, warm clothes (winter
jackets, socks, gloves and scarves), blankets and
sleeping bags are also distributed to assist the
homeless in coping with the harsh weather.
We wish to acknowledge the contributions of
Reviving the Islamic Spirit (RIS) organizers who
have supported this program with an annual winter
jacket drive. We are grateful for 2,000 plus winter
jackets received and distributed.
Help us feed the homeless by
sponsoring a lunch for just $3.
06
07
Muslim Welfare Home is staffed by a dedicated
team of caring professionals who work closely with
social services agencies to support the needs of
women and children under their care. Residents are
provided with referral services in an environment of
empowerment where they have the opportunity to
assess their lives, at their own pace, and plan for a
brighter future.
Home For
Needy Women
And Children
A safe haven for over
10,000 women and children
In another first-of-its-kind initiative, the visionary
founders of Muslim Welfare Centre set about
establishing the Muslim Welfare Home for Needy
Women and Children in 1996.. From its inception,
the Muslim Welfare Home has provided a culturallysensitive safe haven for women and children in need.
This facility is a 45-bed emergency shelter where
residents may stay for up to three months.
Accommodations are newly-renovated with
modestly furnished bedrooms; available baby cribs;
semi-private washrooms; as well as a spacious living
room and comfortable TV lounge. A large dining
room is serviced by a commercial kitchen where
a chef prepares healthy, nutritious meals three
times daily. The facility is under 24 hour camera
surveillance for the security and privacy of the
residents and staff. The operation of this facility is
supported by the Regional Muncipality of Durham.
Since 1996, the Muslim Welfare Home has helped
over 10,000 women and their children find hope.
The following services are available to our guests
at the Home:
• Family
counseling and
guidance
• Housing and
resettlement
services
• Legal and
medical
referrals
• Resume building
workshops
• Job search support
•Volunteer
opportunities
• Computer and
other life skills
training
•Translation
(English, Urdu,
Farsi, Arabic,
Punjabi, Hindi
and Spanish)
If you or someone you know is homeless, in distress
or living in an abusive situation, we can help. Please
call 905-665-0424 or toll free: 1-866-666-1115.
We wish to acknowledge the tremendous support
given to the Muslim Welfare Home by various
members and associations in the community of
Whitby. Of note amongst them are the Rotary Club
of Whitby Sunrise, Rotary Club of Whitby and Royal
LePage Frank Real Estate to name a few.
They have enthusiastically embraced the facility,
providing day-to-day maintenance and landscaping
to organizing fundraisers and toy drives.
We greatly value all the services
provided by Muslim Welfare Home…
we’re grateful to have such a quality
establishment here that offers a
range of services that we know are
professionally administered with a
degree of caring I think you would be
hard-pressed to find anywhere.”
– Christine Elliott, MPP for Whitby, Oshawa
I couldn’t believe that I was
coming to a shelter and the staff made
me feel comfortable and relaxed. They
picked me up like no one else has ever
picked me up.” – Former resident
Emergency
Motel Program
The Emergency Motel Program is a emergency
housing program for families supported by the
Regional Municipality of Durham.
In November 2013, the Muslim Welfare Home was
entrusted with the responsibility of managing this
Program by the Region of Durham. The program
mandate fits well with Muslim Welfare Home’s
existing service to the women and their children by
providing emergency housing service to families,
individuals with physical disabilities and mothers
with male children older than 13 years of age, who
would otherwise not be able stay at the Muslim
Welfare Home in Whitby.
The Emergency Motel Program provides a temporary
stay in a motel in Durham Region. The families and
individuals of the Motel Program are assisted by
Muslim Welfare Home’s staff with their resettlement
through housing search, referrals to community
resources, applying for government programs and
other outreach services. The program allows families
and individuals to have a safe place to stay while
they get back on their feet while we work with them
with finding new homes.
To date, we have assisted almost 70 clients through
this program.
08
Public School
Nutrition
Nourishing bright minds
– Feeding the future
Child development and hunger can be a hidden topic
in many communities. It often goes unnoticed that
1 in 3 recipients of local food banks are children.
The struggle against hunger and poverty has been
a key focus of the Muslim Welfare Centre since
its inception. In an effort to support a strong
community-based solution, we began sponsoring
premium, school-based nutrition programs in 2010.
Currently, we are funding breakfast, morning meals,
and snack programs for students in high-needs areas
across the Greater Toronto Area.
Breakfast, also known as the most important
meal of the day, plays a critical role in a student’s
development, as the brain and body strongly rely
on regular intake of food to function and grow
appropriately. Breakfast and morning snack
programs provide healthy foods in a safe and
caring environment thus ensuring students have
a nutritious start to their day. Through these
programs, students learn about making life-
09
company and has also developed a network of health
care providers (pharmacies, doctors, specialists,
diagnostic labs, etc.) willing to serve the needy
patients free of cost or at reduced rates. As our
clinic provides incidental care only, patients with
emergencies or who require critical care should visit
the local hospital.
long healthier choices and are given culturallyappropriate foods according to Canada’s Food Guide.
As well, all meals conform to halal dietary standards.
Muslim Welfare Centre is pleased to work with the
Toronto Foundation for Student Success (TFSS),
the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) nutrition
team, and in particular, the staff and dedicated
volunteers in schools whose efforts make this
program possible.
Thanks to the ongoing support of our donors, last
year we contributed to nutrition programs in 11
public schools thus helping thousands of children
start their day a healthier way. You can join us
in nourishing future generations of leaders and
reaching out to many more schools by becoming a
donor of this program.
The clinic is open weekly and patients are seen by
appointment only.
Call 416-291-1027 to book an appointment, or contact
the MWC head office. The Clinic is located at 100
McLevin Avenue, Unit 2A, Scarborough, ON, M1B 5K1
Free Medical
Clinic
Making healthcare accessible
to the uninsured
For many new arrivals to Canada, access to
affordable health care is an everyday struggle.
Ontario, in particular has generously welcomed a
growing and diverse immigrant population while
its health care system has struggled to keep pace.
To address the needs of this expanding segment,
Muslim Welfare Centre established a Free Medical
Clinic for the uninsured in 2009. The clinic offers
free health care services to individuals not covered
by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or
other health insurance plans. Amongst those
we serve are new immigrants waiting for OHIP
coverage to begin, refugees, international students
and visitors to Canada.
Medical care is provided by licensed physicians and
nurses who dedicate their time and expertise to
serve patients, strictly on a voluntary basis. The
clinic receives medicines from a local pharmaceutical
For medical inquiries/reports, please fax: 416-2910896 or email: freeclinic@muslimwelfarecentre.com
.................................................
Al Abbas
Mussallah
Mississauga
In 2009, Muslim Welfare Centre expanded its
services in Mississauga with the opening of the
Al-Abbas Mussallah, adjacent to our Halal Food and
Essential Items Bank.
This facility includes space for basic religious
education, a place of worship and as well, it provides
access to various counseling services provided by
qualified cleric and instructors. With a capacity
of 150 people (men and women), our community
services include: five times daily congregational
prayers, Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan, and Eid
prayers; Islamic education classes, Quranic recitation
and Tajweed classes for children and adults.
To learn more, please visit the centre or
call 905-281-9730 to speak with the Imam.
02
WHAT’S NEW
& UPCOMING
“You will not attain righteousness
till you spend in charity of the
things you love.”
[The Qur’an: chapter 3, verse 92]
The Work We Do.
Today & Tomorrow.
Halal Meals
On Wheels
For Seniors
Delivering meals
–Restoring dignity
According to the Census of City of Toronto Urban
Development Services, there are approximately
338,000 people over the age of 65, representing
14 per cent of the City’s total population.
The City’s population continues to age and seniors
are the fastest growing age group, and by 2031,
projections are that nearly 480,000 people will
be over the age of 65. The 75+ age group is expected
to increase by nearly 50 per cent between 2001
and 2031.
Planting trees, cultivating a better world
Roughly one in every four seniors in Toronto lives
alone. According to the Conference Board of Canada,
elderly poverty is both a social and a fiscal problem
that will be exacerbated as higher percentages of
population move into the over 65 demographic.
The Halal Meals on Wheels for Seniors Program
addresses food security issues of needy seniors
residing in Toronto. We are proud to support REH’MA
Community Services, a registered charity, who are
planning and executing this new initiative. The
program ensures that nutritious, culturally-sensitive
cooked meals are delivered to the doorsteps of seniors.
The food is professionally prepared by a team of six
women who have recently completed a certification
program in culinary arts at REH’MA’s training
facility. These women all come from marginalized
backgrounds and face employment obstacles. Through
12
this program they hone their culinary skills, while
earning income to support their families.
Currently, 95 seniors residing in Thorncliffe Park,
Flemingdon Park and Victoria Village areas of
Toronto receive meals every Tuesday – that’s 4,940
meals provided annually. Become a donor today and
help us expand this much-needed meal service to
more areas and to more than once a week.
Seniors in need deserve our support. Let’s work
together to restore their dignity.
To learn more, or to register a needy senior for this
meals delivery service, please call or visit us.
13
Iqra Ramadan
(Sehri) Radio
Program
MWC
Documentary
In recognition of over 20 years of charitable work,
the Centre commissioned a short video documentary
which would highlight the pioneering efforts of the
founders and dedicated volunteers in establishing
Muslim Welfare Centre and its subsequent evolution
over two decades of service. Plans are in place to
hold a special premiere of this documentary soon;
we encourage you to visit our website for details and
to view a short clip.
CHIN FM 100.7 - Toronto
The year 2014 will mark the 20th year of our IQRA
radio sehri program during the holy month of
Ramadan. Whereas we are saddened to inform that
Sister Shahtaj Fatima, wife of the late Sabihuddin
Mansur and her daughter, Maha will no longer
be hosting this broadcast, we are very pleased to
announce we will have a team of talented hosts for
this year’s IQRA program.
This one-hour educational program strives to serve
as a means of encouragement and good advice
for our community and beyond. Additionally, we
use this opportunity to raise awareness about our
services and to connect with a diverse group of
listeners and future donors.
Please tune in with your family and friends, either
on the radio or listen live on the web at: http://radio.
securenetsystems.net/v5/CHINFM
TIMINGS:
.................................................
June 28 - July 7
3:00 – 4:00 AM
.................................................
July 8 – July 17
3:15 – 4:15 AM
................................................
July 18 – July 27
3:30 – 4:30 AM
................................................
Note: Please also remember to watch our weekend
TV program on Dharti Sohni Pakistan.
Inuvik
Food Bank
Muslim Welfare Centre
in the Arctic North
In another pioneering project, and in its spirit of
inclusiveness to serve all communities, Muslim
Welfare Centre is working towards establishing
a food bank in Inuvik, North West Territories to
support Canada’s first peoples.
Recently, MWC made the long trek to Inuvik
and Tuktoyaktuk (or Tuk, in short) to meet with
supporters and representatives and to conduct a
firsthand assessment. The plan is to collaborate with
the Midnight Sun Mosque in Inuvik, to set up and
operate a food bank facility for the people of Inuvik
and its vicinity.
Please pray for a successful launch of this project and
stay tuned for more details on how you can join us
in bringing some warmth to our neighbours in the
Arctic North.
.................................................
New Website
We are excited to launch our new informative
and interactive website. We will be adding lots of
content, pictures, videos, reports and interesting
material in an effort to inform and engage our
supporters.
Please do check it out, share it with others, and let
us know what you think…see you on the web!
.................................................
MWC
Newsletter
We are committed to keeping you updated on our
programs and special events. Please visit our website
to sign up for our newsletter and stay connected.
03
INTERNATIONAL
“None of you truly believes until
he wishes for his brother what he
wishes for himself.”
-Prophet Muhammad n)
Global Citizens
Who Care.
Village
Development –
Pakistan
In the summer of 2010, massive floods hit Pakistan
and affected over 18 million people (7 million people
in Sindh province alone) while displacing almost
4.5 million into temporary camps and displacement
centers. Flood waters negatively impacted an
estimated 900,000 households in Sindh, damaging
or destroying 1,894,530 houses and saturating
224,630 acres of cropland, according to the National
Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of
Pakistan, thus making shelter construction one of
the greatest needs in the country.
Rebuilding lives in flood – ravaged
Qadir Baksh Rind. Building 80 shelters.
Supporting over 500 villagers.
Under its Disaster Relief program, Muslim Welfare
Centre completed an assessment of villages in subdistrict Mehar in District Dadu and identified village
Qadir Baksh Rind as one of the worst affected.
In this village, almost its entire population of 80
families, remains without permanent homes after
having lost all their possessions in this calamity. In
response to this disaster, Muslim Welfare Centre has
partnered with IDRF, a registered Canadian charity,
by funding the entire cost of the project, to construct
80 permanent shelters and 16 animal shelters for
the more than 500 residents of this village. The new
village is being built with consideration to protection
from future floods and harsh weather conditions.
This project engages the community beneficiaries
in rebuilding their homes and lives with active
participation in the design, implementation and
monitoring of the development. The first phase
of this project including construction of homes
and animal shelters will Insha’Allah be completed
by Ramadan 2014. Future phases will include
repairs to the school, medical clinic and the village
mosque. Additionally, enhancements for the general
infrastructure, installation of hand pumps as well
as implementation of long term sustainability
programs are planned.
16
Your support is needed to ensure the 80 displaced
families have the comfort and security of new homes
and a brighter future.
YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK:
$3,000
$2,500
$2,000
$1,500
$400
17
Support
A Child
Please note that donor acknowledgement will
be done through a community monument that
recognizes the contributions of those who made
the building of these homes possible. This practice
honours the generosity of donors while preserving
the dignity of beneficiaries.
Saving a Nation
HELPS TO BUILD
A HOUSE
Since 1999, the Muslim Welfare Centre has made a
concerted effort to lead the fight against child labour,
poverty and illiteracy in third world countries.
HELPS TO REPAIR
A MOSQUE
PROVIDES SCHOOL
FURNITURE & SUPPLIES
PROVIDES EQUIPMENT
FOR A MEDICAL CLINIC
HELPS TO INSTALL
A WATER HAND PUMP
Disaster Relief
Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods,
hurricanes and tsunamis often occur around the
world with regularity, and without warning. While
the duration of these events last mere seconds or
minutes, the devastation is often irreparable. Every
year, communities around the globe experience
such devastation, leaving people homeless; injured
or disabled; penniless, and with little hope for
rebuilding their lives. Natural disasters take a
significant human toll and compel each of us to do
our part; to lend a hand to support each other.
Over the years, Muslim Welfare Centre has
responded to the call to help victims of disasters.
We have been there in Bangladesh; Bosnia; Chile;
Haiti; Indonesia; Pakistan, the Philippines, Syria
and other places around the world. Closer to home,
we have been in Calgary during the floods and in
New Orleans, USA during hurricane Katrina. We
were there to provide emergency supplies such as;
medicines, food, water, blankets, tents and clothing.
Working in collaboration with international NGOs
such as Islamic Relief, International Development
& Relief Foundation (IDRF) and the Red Cross,
we have provided financial assistance to support
development in the aftermath of disasters. In
Pakistan, we set up emergency medical clinics and
distributed packages of essential food items to
families affected by famine. Our goal is to respond
immediately and responsibly to the needs of
people in disaster-affected areas and we do this to
the extent made possible by the generosity of our
donors and supporters.
Currently, we are running two schools in the slum
and underprivileged areas of Karachi, Pakistan. Here,
through the generous support of our donors, over
350 children, both girls and boys receive free primary
and secondary education (from Kindergarten to
Grade 10). We provide school aged children with free
access to school uniforms, shoes, school supplies, and
other tools for success. Through this program, we
also support the families of the students by providing
groceries so that the children are not forced to work
to supplement the family’s income and to continue
their education with us.
As a donor, you are helping to end the cycle of poverty
in impoverished communities by giving a child a
chance to build strong foundation for a better future.
As a regular donor, you will receive a photo of the
child you support, as well as regular progress reports.
18
Water
Exploration
Water–The source of Life
The Muslim Welfare Centre’s Water Exploration
Project brings this basic necessity to the
underprivileged people in the remote villages of
third world countries. A harsh but true reality is that
clean drinking water is inaccessible to many people
living in third world countries. Our initial project
started in the remote regions of the Thar Desert in
Pakistan. To date, the Water Exploration Project
has provided over 60 wells and more than 160 hand
pumps which has helped thousands of people access
clean drinking water in Pakistan and India.
19
Our goal is to expand this project to other parts of
the world where the need is great. Providing water
to the thirsty, animals, or vegetation is a noble act of
perpetual charity (Sadqa-e-Jaariah). You can support
this important project by sponsoring a water well
for a one time donation of $2500 or a hand pump
for $800. In acknowledgement of your support, a
plaque will be placed with your name at the site of
your donated well or hand pump.
Support for Water in Pakistan
At a recent ceremony, Dr. Cho presented a donation
of $8,000 to Shahid Khan (President of MWC) for
the installation of 10 water hand pumps in the
remote desert region of Pakistan. Dr. Cho expressed
his hope that these hand pumps will ensure that
water becomes accessible to villagers, animals and
crops until the end of time. We thank Dr. Cho
for his generous support and his longstanding
contributions to the organization.
Qurbani
& Zabiha
Qurbani, or the ritual sacrifice of cattle mainly to
feed the needy during the Eid al Adha festivities, as
practiced by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
is an essential Islamic practice commemorating the
sacrifice of Prophet Abraham (PBUH).
Muslim Welfare Centre has been actively involved
in collecting and distributing over 20,000 pounds of
Qurbani meat annually, to families in need through
our Food Banks in Scarborough and Mississauga, as
well as our Muslim Welfare Home in Whitby.
For the past 19 years, Muslim Welfare Centre has
also arranged Qurbani in third world countries. By
offering your qurbani overseas, we have been able to
help families in Azad Kashmir, Bangladesh, Burma,
Guyana, India and Pakistan with over $115,500
worth of meat annually. Your qurbani provides an
essential Eid gift for families who may not ordinarily
have access to meat.
Please consider Muslim Welfare Centre when
thinking of doing qurbani for yourself and your
loved ones in Canada or abroad.
The example of
those who spend
their wealth in the
way of Allah is like a
seed [of grain] Which
grows seven spikes;
in each spike is a
hundred grains. And
Allah multiplies [His
reward] for whom He
wills. And Allah is AllEncompassing and
Knowing.” (107:1-7]
04
SPECIAL EVENTS
“Whoever does not thank people (for
their favours) has not thanked Allah
(properly), Mighty and Glorious is He!”
-Prophet Muhammad n)
Recognizing the
Right People. You.
Gala & Annual
Dinner
(20 Year Celebration)
Muslim Welfare Centre celebrated 20 years of
community service with a Gala and Dinner, held on
November 9, 2013, at the Scarborough Convention
Centre. By all accounts it was a wonderful evening
wherein we reflected on the organization’s
achievements and focused on some important
initiatives for the future.
Muslim Welfare Centre recognizes Reverend
Wayne Kleinsteuber for his long standing
friendship. Pictured with Dr. Ingrid Mattson
and Shahid A. Khan, MWC President
We welcomed Dr. Ingrid Mattson, past President
of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA),
as the keynote speaker. Among the guests in
attendance were leaders from the business, political,
and faith communities, as well as our generous
donors and supporters.
Undoubtedly, one of the highlights of the night
was the short preview of the upcoming MWC
documentary which touched so many of us.
This event also afforded us the opportunity to
acknowledge the dedication and hard work of some
long-time supporters. The event was a resounding
success with many favourable reviews for the
food catered by Chef Afzal Bhatti from Affy’s
Premium Grill. Thank You to our main sponsor
Alokozay Tea and a special mention for Hasdrubal
Premium Olive Oil and Lindt Chocolates for their
generous donations.
22
23
Halal Food Fest Muslimfest
Toronto
Muslim Welfare Centre was once again selected as
the charitable partner for the second annual Halal
Food Fest To event held on June 14 & 15, 2014 at
the International Centre in Mississauga.
With a premium booth space, we were able to bring
a lot of attention to the various social services
programs and showcase our Ramadan initiative.
The event organizers provided many marketing
opportunities for Muslim Welfare Centre, including
a food drive. The exposure from this event resulted
in a number of important community connections
which have proven fruitful in the past year.
Volunteers
As one of the top 100 signature events in Ontario,
MuslimFest celebrated its 10th anniversary by
partnering with Muslim Welfare Centre to Fill
the Food Bank! This annual event which celebrates
the best of Muslim art, culture and entertainment
was held on August 2 & 3, 2013 at Celebration
Square in Mississauga.
The Muslim Welfare Centre greatly appreciates
the dedication of its devoted volunteers. It is a
testament to your efforts that we have been able
to support the needs of needy individuals and
families for the past 21 years. We credit our amazing
volunteers with the positive impact our programs
have had on those we serve!
This venue provided us the opportunity to market
our programs to a diverse audience in the West
and to expand our community connections for the
Mississauga branch. This event partnership was
successful in showcasing our services and we look
forward to future collaborations.
As a registered charity we are happy to issue letters
of reference to any of our volunteers as well as
provide community service volunteer forms for
students. We hope you will continue to share your
time, enthusiasm, and talents with the organization
as it rises to meet the challenges of the future.
.................................................
Reviving The
Islamic Spirit
(RIS)
As one of the largest Muslim events in North
America, the annual Reviving the Islamic Spirit (RIS)
convention was held December 27-29, 2013 at the
Metro Convention Centre in Toronto.
Muslim Welfare Centre has participated in this event
for a number of years to showcase our social services
programs to a very large and diverse audience
coming from all across North America and overseas.
For the past four years, we have partnered with RIS
to hold a Winter Coat Drive for the homeless and
this has been quite successful as we have received
over 2,000 coats over the years.
Additionally, we have collected toys and nonperishable food items for our food bank during this
event. Muslim Welfare Centre is very thankful to the
RIS organizers for their ongoing support to our food
bank and Meals on Wheels services for the needy.
WAYS TO HELP
1. Become a Volunteer: We welcome the
contributions of volunteers. By giving your time
and skills to the various projects undertaken
by the organization, you will gain valuable
experience while developing meaningful
relationships. Sign up online at www.
muslimwelfarecentre.com or visit any of our
branches to speak with our representative.
2. Plan an event to support MWC: Organize
an event and help support the program of your
choice with the donations you receive. Visit us at
www.muslimwelfarecentre.com to learn more.
3. Spread the word: Tell your friends, family, and
colleagues about our programs and use your social
media network to raise awareness.
Follow us on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MWCofTO
Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MuslimWelfareCentre
Watch us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/
channel/UCaIFdO6vhNsIF0feh5SWYLg
.................................................
Want to know what current
volunteers are saying about
the organization?
My name is Sharifah Ally. I got involved with the
Muslim Welfare Centre in October 2012 with the free
medical clinic. I received my Bachelor of Science in
Nursing from Ryerson University and I work in the
community with the Ministry of Health and Long
Term Care. From working in the clinic, I became
acutely aware of the social struggles many face when
government funding is not extended to them. In
some instances having to choose between necessities,
such as rent and food, as opposed to their medical
needs, such as medication and health care.
I soon realized, working with the remarkable
team in the clinic, that I was part of a vast and
vital organization. I then branched into the
Meals on Wheels program, in which 3 of my 4
children (Mateen 10, Madinah 7 and Ilyaas 5) also
participate. My children, as young as they are and
with their keen spirits of volunteerism, understand
the need and importance of this work and how it
helps our society and they look forward to attending
Meals on Wheels each week.
The Muslim Welfare Centre has been a fixture in the
community for over 20 years. This organization has
been responsive to the emerging and diverse needs
of the community irrespective of race, nationality,
creed or religion. Being a part of such a remarkable
institution has been a rewarding and invaluable
personal experience.
24
My Name is Ivan Chow and I have been volunteering
at the Muslim Welfare Centre for approximately 7
years. I started volunteering for high school hours
as I needed 40 hours. I continued because I enjoy
helping others and I have plenty of time. I help out
every Saturday with the Meals on Wheels Program.
I help with packing the lunches and also help out
with moving things around the office. I have made
many friends while working and this has helped me
with my social skills and developing friendships.
I would encourage people to volunteer here as it is
a great organization which has great impact on the
world around us by helping the needy. My view of
the Muslim Welfare Centre is that it is professional
and well organized and I would definitely recommend
people to come out and become a volunteer
25
It was one fine day in May 2004 when I met Uncle
and Auntie (Major Abbas and his wife). They were
awaiting a ride to Muslim Welfare Centre. As we
talked, they told me about their mission in Canada,
the Meals on Wheels program and their hopes
and future plans for the Centre. I was inspired
and became a volunteer with the Meals on Wheels
program since then. I enjoy preparing the lunch
bags and distributing them downtown Toronto; to
the Salvation Army; the Emergency Shelter and the
Goodwill Club for Men on Saturdays.
Over the last 10 years, I have met and worked with
many wonderful volunteers of all ages, race, color
and different religious backgrounds. As Uncle told
me in that first memorable encounter, “Bayta (child),
Service to humanity is service to Allah.”
Lazeena Mandol
GRATITUDE
The board of directors of the Muslim Welfare Centre wish to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude
to the donors, staff, volunteers, partners and the community, without whose support we simply could not
accomplish our goals. The Muslim Welfare Centre truly is a community charity and we are eternally grateful
for your contributions. We wish to acknowledge some of our supporters from the past 21 years.
Institute for Minority Welfare
(India)
Muslim Community Services
(Brampton)
Anatolia Islamic School
International Development
and Relief Foundation
Muslims Against Hunger
(Toronto)
Anjuman-e-Fakhri
Islamic Foundation of Toronto
Arab Community Services
Islamic Institute of Toronto
Ontario Foundation for the
Korean Blind
Canadian Diabetes Association
Islamic Relief
Canadian Muslim Heritage
Islamic Soccer League
Canadian Peace & Unity
Foundation
Islamic Society of Ajax
Al-Falah Islamic School
Alpha Korean United Church
Canadian Red Cross
Central Islamic Organization
of Guyana
Consulate General of Pakistan
(Toronto)
Consulate General of the
Philippines (Toronto)
................................................
................................................
Islamic Society of Markham
ISNA Islamic School
(Mississauga)
Jame Masjid Mississauga
Korean Senior Citizens
Society of Toronto
Korean Senior Walk-A-Thon
Ontario Society of Fiji Muslims
Ontario Works Peel Region
Project Ramadan
REH’MA Community Services
Reviving The Islamic Spirit
(Canada)
Rotary Club of Whitby
Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise
Royal LePage
Frank Real Estate
Consulate General of
the Republic of Indonesia
(Toronto)
Listro’s No Frills (Markham)
Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centre
of Scarborough
Madinah Islamic School
The Good Neighbours’ Club
Credit Valley Conservation
Malton Islamic Centre
Durham Deaf Services
Malvern Presbyterian Church
The Regional Municipality
of Durham
Federation of Muslim Women
Masjid Daruliman
Feed The Need in Durham
Mercy Mission - Canada
Global Youth Leaders
Moeen Centre - Toronto
ICNA Relief Canada
Muslim Cancer Support
Group
Toronto Foundation for Student
Success
Walmart – Heartland
Supercentre (Mississauga)
Whitby Baptist Church
26
27
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
ON THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND TEAM
Shahid A. Khan
President
...............................
MWC Head Office
Al Abbas Mussallah –
Rahat Khan
Treasurer
...............................
Muhammad Rehan
Syed Abdul Wahab Qadri
M. Firaaz Azeez
Ameer Youssef
Imran F. Khan
Hamood Aleem
Javeria Jameel
Humeera Waheed
Malik Jerome M. Thomas
Mohammed M. Anjam
Parveen Akhtar Bhatti
Sakhawat Ali
Qamar U. Pirzada
Nusrat Siddiqui
Rafique Baig
Usman Shaikh
Seema Javaid
...............................
Naushaba Ali
Director
...............................
Dr. Masuma Contractor
Director
...............................
Muneeza Sheikh
Director
...............................
Anisuddin M. Syed
Director
...............................
Muhammad Iqbal Ali
Secretary
& Food Bank
Seyed Vali Y. Kazemi
Wahida Hamidi
Yasmin Shah
Zahida Suleman
...............................
Mississauga Branch
Mississauga
Muslim Welfare Home
Atiya Siddiquei
Ather A. Siddiquei
Alisa Stewart
Carol Darlene Caruso
Fareeha Ikram
Dastagir Bhura
Mitu Virpal
Azra Bano
Nasreen Karim
Naghma Khan
Rochelle T. Johnson
Zakia Sultana
Samran Boukhari
Zarmina Duranai
Shirin Shaikh
...............................
Sumaira Shah
Montreal Representative
To the Members of Muslim Welfare Centre of Toronto,
The accompanying summary financial statements of Muslim Welfare Centre of Toronto (MWC), which
comprise the summary statements of financial position as at December 31, 2013 and the summary
statements of operations and net assets for the years ended December 31. 2013, and related notes, are derived
from the audited financial statements, prepared in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for notfor-profit organizations, ofMWC as at and for the years ended December 31,2013.
I expressed a qualified audit opinion on those financial statements in my report dated June 12, 2014.
The summary financial statements do not contain all the disclosures required by Canadian accounting
standards for not-for-profit organizations. Reading thesummary financial statements, therefore, is not a
substitute for reading the audited financial statements of MWC.
Management’s Responsibility for the Summary Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation of a summary of the audited financial statements on the basis
described in note 1.
Auditor’s Responsibility
My responsibility is to express an opinion on the summary financial statements based on my procedures,
which were conducted in accordance with Canadian Auditing Standard (CAS) 810, “Engagements to Report on
SummaryFinancial Statements.”
Opinion
In my opinion, the summary financial statements derived from the audited financial statements of MWC as
at and for the years ended December 31, 2013 are a fair summary of those financial statements, in accordance
with the basis described in note 1.
Tracy L. Morris
Kalimullah Khan
Mississauga, Ontario S.A. Sami ProfessionalCorporation
June 12, 2014 Chartered Accountant
Authorized to practise public accounting by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario
28
29
MUSLIM WELFARE CENTRE OF TORONTO SUMMARY STATEMENT
OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT DECEMBER 31
ASSETS (CURRENT)
Cash
Investments
Amounts receivable and prepaid
Property and equipment
LIABILITIES (CURRENT)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Deferred Contribution
NET ASSETS
2013
2012
$
$
4,578,900
3,590,655
98,152
98,657
260,047
Donations
Grants
Investment income
EXPENSES
Programs
General and administration
Fundraising
3,905,857
1. Summary Financial Statements:
2,906,745
2,929,021
7,843,844
6,834,878
The summary financial statements are derived from the complete audited financial statements, prepared
in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations, as at and for the years
ended December 31, 2013. The preparation of these summary financial statements requires management
to determine the information that needs to bereflected in the summary financial statements sothatthey are
consistent, in all material respects, with or represent a fair summary of the audited financial statements.
58,880
80,696
478,184
437,218
7,306,780
6,316,964
7,843,844
6,834,878
2013
2012
$
$
2,366,290
1,961,953
43,702
19,139
591,933
562,541
3,001,925
2,543,633
1,681,319
1,449,502
117,150
134,903
213,640
2,012,109
Excess of revenue over expenses
216,545
989,816
293,553
1,877,9 58
665,675
Net assets beginning ofyear
6,316,964
5,651,289
NET ASSETS END OF YEAR
7,306,780
6,316,964
APPROVED BY THE BOARD
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DIRECTOR
Muslim Welfare Centre of Toronto (the organization) is serving and fulfilling the educational, social and
economic needs of the community of Greater Toronto and vicinity. The organization was incorporated without
sharecapital as a non- profit organization on March 23, 1994 and is a registered charity under the Income Tax
Act. Their motto is “Service to Humanity is service to Allah”. The organization is serving humanity irrespective
of religion, nationality, caste, or creed.
4,937,099
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
REVENUE
MUSLIM WELFARE CENTRE OF TORONTO NOTES TO SUMMARY FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
These summarized financial statements have been prepared by management using the following criteria:
a) Whether information in the summary financial statements is in agreement with the related information in
the complete audited financial statements; and
b) Whether, in all material respects, the summary financial statements contain the information necessary to
avoid distorting or obscuring matters disclosed in the related complete audited financial statements, including
the notes thereto.
Allocation of common expenses
The organization engages in various programs. The cost ofthese programs includes costs of personnel,
premises and other expenses that are directly related to providing the programs. The organization also incurs
number ofgeneral support expenses that are common to the administration ofthe organization and each of its
programs. The organization allocates certain of its general support expenses to programs, administration and
fundraising expenses onan appropriate basis as follows:
Programs
Promtion and advertisement Rent and utilities Office and general 15% 68% 37% Administration
- 32%
63%
Fundraising
85%
-
Management determined that the statements of net assets and cash flows do not provide additional useful
information and as such has not included them as part ofthe summary financial statements. The complete
audited financial statements ofMuslim Welfare Centre ofToronto are available upon request by contacting
the Organization.
30
Thanks to their dedication and tireless efforts, and
the generosity of a supportive community, the
Centre evolved rapidly and soon included a shelter
for women and children in Whitby, as well as food
bank services in Mississauga and Montreal. In the
years following, Muslim Welfare Centre expanded its
services on an international level with its support a
child program in Pakistan, and water exploration in
third world countries, and as well as disaster relief.
After the passing of Major Abbas, Muslim Welfare
Centre was ably guided by Sarwar Jahan Begum
until her demise in 2013. The Centre continues to
grow with a number of services being added; thanks
to the strong community support.
Looking back...
Service to humanity is service
to Allah (God)
In 1993, the foundations of the Muslim Welfare
Centre of Toronto were laid by two visiting seniors
from Pakistan, Major Muhammad Abbas Ali (1921
-2009) and his wife, Sarwar Jahan Begum (1928 –
2013), when they established a small Halal Food
Bank in Scarborough.
Over two decades have passed, yet the founding
principle of serving humanity irrespective of
religion, nationality, caste or creed still guides all
aspects of our organization.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements,
the city named a park in the community where he
dedicated a significant part of his volunteer efforts
as Major Abbas Ali Park. It’s befitting that this park
hosts various youth sporting events which Major
Abbas so ardently supported.
I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do,
or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now.
Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.
Scarborough
Mississauga
100 McLevin Avenue, Suites 4 & 4A
Scarborough, ON M1B 5K1
Toll Free Tel: +1-866-754-3111
Tel: (416) 754-8116 Fax: (416) 754-4468
3490 Mavis Road, Mississauga, ON L5C 1T8
Tel: (905) 281-9730 Fax: (905) 281-9596
Email: muslim@muslimwelfarecentre.com
Web: www.muslimwelfarecentre.com
425 Dundas Street East, Whitby, ON L1N 2J2
Toll Free Tel: +1-866-666-1115
Tel: (905) 665-0424 Fax: (905) 665-1446
Whitby
Montreal
25 Rue Sunshine, D.D.O. QC H9B 1G1
Tel: (514) 421-7301