Ramadan is a period to share and show love to the less privileged. In order to fulfill this promise of Ramadan, a non – muslim Canadian politician who is fasting during the on going Ramadan told reporters that he began the practice to raise money for a food bank, but has been overwhelmed at the support received from Muslims stating that he was shocked by the Muslims’ commitments.
Mark Holland, Liberal Member of Parliament for Ajax, a city near Toronto, narrated that a friend asked him in 2015 to raise money for Give 30, a food bank that asks people to take the savings gleaned from fasting during the holy month and contribute those savings to local food banks. He believes that this act is righteous and should be commended:
“I didn’t hesitate when I was asked if I would fast with the community as a show of support,” Holland said.
Further more, he stated that he joined the nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide to observe the fast of Ramadan in the interests of charity and also to encourage people to take part in this holy fast:
“As anyone who has fasted knows that that not eating during the day is difficult, but too many don’t have a choice when it comes to deciding whether or not to eat and local food banks play a vital role in helping those in need,” he stated.
Many food banks across the world are non-profit and charitable organizations that distribute food to those who have difficulty purchasing enough food to avoid hunger. Give 30 is one of the commendable food banks that supports 14 of the largest food banks in communities across Canada and the U.S.
Reports show that as of June 9, more than $CAN75,000 had been raised across the country. It is expected that the amount will be substantially more by the end of Ramadan.
“I would love to see Give 30 beat its amount raised from last year which was $170,505,” Holland added.
He further commended the muslims for their choice to give during ramadan saying that their response has been really touchy:
“We are fortunate in Ajax to have an incredibly diverse Muslim population; the outpouring of support from the community has been bewildering and incredibly touching. When I first fasted I thought it would be a good way to raise some awareness about a worthy charity doing admirable work.” He stated.
Holland believed that he has been able to play a great role by bridging the gap between religious communities gaps. He really hopes that the non – Muslims will appreciate the benefits of ramadan and join in the convoy of the holy practice.
“I was fortunate enough to be elected in 2015 and I have been given a platform that I hope I have been able to use to educate non-Muslims about Ramadan and what it is about,” he said.
“I hope that I have played some small role in bringing communities together in Ajax and Canada. I still fast in support of Give 30, but also now it has really served as a great bridge between groups in our community,” he further explained.
