Canadian Muslims raise $400,000 for victims of famine in East Africa

Ottawa: The Windsor Islamic Council, Canada, has raised more than $400,000 in two weeks as part of their effort to assist humanitarian efforts in fighting drought and famine in East Africa. The countries slated to receive cash include Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia, according to CBC News.
“This donation came about [because of] the drought in East Africa,” said Vice Chair of the Council Abdullahi Cisman. “As a community we come to the conclusion that the best way possible is actually to get together and raise funds to help the people who need in East Africa.”
“We certainly reached beyond our goal,” added Cisman, noting the Council doubled their original fundraising goal of $200,000 over two weeks. $150,000 of the money raised will go to Islamic Relief Canada, who have been distributing food and providing assistance in drought-stricken areas in North and East Africa.
“Locally or abroad, Windsor Islamic Council has always stepped forward,” said Mahmoud Qasim, Islamic Relief Canada’s head of fund development. “The community here is extremely generous and we’re thankful for that.”
The Islamic Circle of North America will receive $250,000 of funding for long-term projects. The Windsor Islamic Council said both organizations are working on the ground in East Africa.
AB/IINA