On the threshold of its twentieth anniversary, we spoke with the founder of the Canadian Iranian Foundation, Nassreen Filsoof. Nassreen, herself, is a nurse and has pursued her education with a scholarship. She envisioned helping other young individuals climb the ladder of progress and education with scholarships. Alongside her family, she established the Canadian Iranian Foundation, which collects financial assistance through various activities in Vancouver and donates it to young students.

Nassreen speaks about the definition of volunteer work, mentioning that many people in our society did not believe in volunteer work because it doesn't involve any payment. However, over time, volunteer work has found its place, and dozens of volunteers have been active in this foundation to this day. She believes that to accomplish important and significant tasks, we should not work alone but rather discover new and innovative ideas by collaborating with others, leading to higher-quality work.

She emphasizes that even students applying for financial aid should demonstrate volunteer activities on their resumes. Nassreen mentions that she has provided around three hundred thousand dollars in student aid and has even assisted hospitals in the city and essential cases such as fire incidents.

Nassreen speaks highly of her colleagues and good allies in the Canadian Iranian Foundation, stating that everyone has worked hard to advance the foundation. She explains the mechanism of receiving charitable donations from the public and redistributing them to the community.

One of the foundation's programs, aside from educational initiatives for new immigrants, is the organization of traditional and national celebrations. Celebrations like Nowruz and Yalda, held annually in Vancouver with grandeur. She added that the Nowruz celebration in March will take place at the Marriott Vancouver Hotel.

Among the foundation's significant programs on Canada Day is the organization of street celebrations attended by dozens of volunteers.

Nassreen hopes that on the verge of the twentieth anniversary of the Canadian Iranian Foundation, new individuals will join the foundation, and soon, the celebration of the twentieth anniversary of this charitable institution will be held in Vancouver.

Guest: Nassreen Filsoof -Canadian Iranian Foundation

Journalist: Majid Mahichi

Skyrise Media Society