The Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's Association (AWWA) is making great strides in communities around Simcoe County.
The association has been continuously looking for ways to support the community throughout the pandemic. As the year 2020 came to an end, the women wanted to do something special to start the new year off on a positive note, something worth celebrating.
Earlier this month, they donated 1,400 pounds of food to the Bradford Helping Hand Food Bank. In December, they also helped the Elizabeth Fry Society with a significant donation.
In December, the association's Barrie women worked with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Simcoe-Muskoka to support their second annual Backpacks for Youth campaign. The Elizabeth Fry Society was looking to fill 40 bags, and the Barrie group was able to rally together and donate enough items to fill almost half of those.
"It was quite interesting to run such a campaign under COVID, but we got it done," said Munera Ahmed. "All our members were contacted by phone or text, and all donation items were collected contactless. We thought we would be able to donate nine bags, but our women went above and beyond, allowing us to almost double our goal and donate 16 bags."
The AMWA is a group of independent Muslim women who live their lives on the principles and values of Islam. They support and empower each other and members of the community through education and charity work. They are stay-at-home moms, doctors, teachers, accountants, social workers, businesswomen and much more who thrive on supporting each other and uplifting the communities in which they live.
Together, working with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, they were also able to collect and deliver 1,400 pounds of food to the Bradford Helping Hand Food Bank.
"I think that was a great start to this new year," said association member Aisha Tasneem. "Even though restrictions have increased and a lot of people are having a tough time, we were glad to be able to help, in whatever small way, make a positive difference for someone."
The association is hoping to inspire others in the community to give back to the food bank.
"Many of us are fortunate enough to not have to worry about groceries or next meal, so we should do our part in supporting those who are in need," said Tasneem.
The volunteers at the food bank were very appreciative of the donation.
To learn more about how to donate to The Helping Hand Food Bank, click here.
