This past weekend, hundreds of Global Ismaili CIVIC volunteers across BC and thousands across Canada offered over 2500 hours of service to their respective communities. This is part of a global initiative that will see 20,000 volunteers pledge over 100,000 hours of service to improve the quality of life and play an integral role in the communities in which they live. The inaugural weekend focussed on two themes: Environmental Stewardship and Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The Province of British Columbia proclaimed September 26, 2021 Global Ismaili CIVIC Day. This recognition is important for all citizens of British Columbia, as volunteerism and giving back is one of the keys to making communities across the province stronger. Honourable Janet Austin, BC’s Lieutenant Governor also delivered a special message on the importance of Global Ismaili CIVIC Day (https://youtu.be/BvfGDXKppoU)
In Victoria, Ismaili CIVIC volunteers came together at the Victoria Jamatkhana to collect food and school supplies for families in need. Members of the Victoria Ismaili community drove by with packages of non-perishable food items and school supplies which were donated to Rainbow Kitchen, a long time community partner.
Samir Manji, President of the Ismaili Council for British Columbia, noted that,
"The ethic of volunteerism – exemplified by our centuries old tradition of giving back to improve the lives of others – is reflective of Islam’s core values of peace, compassion and care for those in need. These ethical practices are embodied by our Ismaili CIVIC volunteers, who are continuously looking for ways to positively impact the quality of life of all British Columbians.”
“Volunteering, to me, is all about giving back to the community. Be it the Ismaili community, the Victoria community, or the global community. To be able to provide donations to an organization that, in turn, feeds the community benefits us as a whole. In a time when we are all struggling with the ongoing pandemic, it’s incredibly important that we all come together to see that we all succeed.” - (Azra Rajwani, Victoria Ismaili CIVIC Lead)
“Volunteering is an opportunity to make a difference in the community, regardless of how small the impact is. It is simply giving that time of my life where I derive contentment. Ismaili CIVIC is a perfect example. Being an Ismaili Muslim, volunteerism is a part of our core values. I consider it as a blessing and, this is what motivates me to contribute more.” - (Areeb Hookmani- Ismaili CIVIC Volunteer )
Sophie Shivji, Ismaili CIVIC Project Manager for BC stated that over 30 countries across the globe participated in this weekend’s Global Ismaili CIVIC Day and we are so happy that the community of BC has seen hundreds of volunteers across the Province engage in this initiative. She hopes to see it continuously grow as over the coming years.
* The Ismaili CIVIC logo depicted here represents the Ismaili community’s external volunteer service across the globe in every way, through the words Khidmat, meaning service. The logo contains the Roman letters “I” and “C” as well as the word “Khidmat” in Arabic, rendered in Kufic calligraphy within a sphere, embracing the East and the West, serving humanity around the world, reflecting the values of care and compassion for others.
