Last month, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's Association in Barrie showcased their commitment to community service through a highway cleanup and a food donation event. The Association, which has adopted a highway behind the Maryam Mosque in Oro, undertook this cleanup as part of its annual initiatives.

In addition to the cleanup, the Association made a generous food donation to the Seasons Centre for Grieving Children in Barrie. This dual effort highlights the Association's dedication to improving their local community and supporting those in need.

Naumana Khan from Humanity First explained the broader mission of their organization, which operates in 61 countries. "Humanity First is an international organization. It is based in 61 countries. And it is a disaster relief, humanitarian, charitable organization, which offers disaster relief, and also community support projects and programs to empower communities and individuals in underprivileged communities," she told Jaya Bondre, volunteer reporter for Simcoe Community Media. Humanity First's programs include Water for Life, food security, orphan care, disaster relief, and refugee resettlement.

Maidah Ahmad, a volunteer with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's Association, emphasized their ethos of community involvement. "We try to be active members of our communities. We believe in the motto Love for Hatred for None. We believe in community outreach. We believe in learning about others, and teaching them about our faith and our teachings as well," Ahmad shared. She also highlighted the significance of cleanliness in their faith, referencing a well-known quote by the Prophet Muhammad, "Cleanliness is half of our faith." This principle helped guide their local cleanup efforts.

Joanna Vingoe, Multicultural Engagement Coordinator at the Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, expressed gratitude for the food donation. She provided insight into the center's work, which has been a cornerstone of support in the community for over 20 years. "We offer no-cost peer support programming for children, youth, and teens dealing with the death of a child or primary caregiver," Vingoe explained. The center serves Simcoe County and beyond, providing in-school programs and in-house support for children coping with the loss of extended family members and primary caregivers. Vingoe elaborated on their approach, stating, "We connect them with other children dealing with similar situations in their own family in their similar age bracket. And we guide them through their emotions. We talk about coping skills and we do that through activities and also games."

This collaborative effort between the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's Association, Humanity First, and the Seasons Centre for Grieving Children underscores a shared commitment to community support and outreach, embodying a spirit of compassion and service.