Victoria’s Muslim community is holding a fundraiser to help Somalis affected by severe drought.
Masjid Al-Iman is hosting a dinner and bazaar at Pearkes Recreation Centre this afternoon to raise funds for disaster relief efforts for the East African country.
The mosque’s imam, Ismail Mohamed Nur, who is Somali and has extended family members in the country, said there is a small but tight-knit Somali community in Victoria that wants to do more than just raise awareness and send prayers.
“These droughts happen every few years, but it’s getting worse because of climate change,” Mohamed Nur said.
The Somali government declared a national disaster last month after at least 110 people died in 48 hours from starvation or hunger-related illness.
About 6.2 million people, or half the country’s population, are at risk of famine if the situation doesn’t improve, the United Nations has said.
The drought is partially a result of the El Niño weather pattern that has hit the eastern and southern parts of the continent.
Ongoing violence and threats from terror group al-Shabab have made it difficult for aid agencies to get to vulnerable towns and villages.
“Because of the three-decade long fight and civil war that’s torn the country up, the country lacks infrastructure and it’s difficult for the government to reach the parts that need help the most,” Mohamed Nur said.
So much international attention has been paid to the war in Syria and tensions in the Korean peninsula, that many have forgotten about the desperate situation in Somalia, he said. “There’s always so much happening in the world and Somalia tends to be forgotten.”
All money raised will go toward Islamic Relief Canada, an international aid and development charity working to end poverty, illiteracy and disease.
The bazaar, which will feature Somali food and goods, starts at 4 p.m. There will be speakers between 5 and 8 p.m., including Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps, Jean McRae, executive director of the Victoria Intercultural Association, and members of the Somali community.
Tickets are $20 each or $50 for a family of four and can be purchased at the door at Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Rd. in Saanich.
