Muslim Social Services (MSS) has been one of KW's most active community organizations providing culturally responsive support to our diverse community, where excellent and quality services are inspired by the resilience of people we work with and driven by compassion.
MSS's programs and services continue to grow and adapt to changing
needs in our communities, we are actively trying to build bridges between service providers and the diverse communities we serve in hopes of creating a greater understanding between them.
We would like to express our appreciation to the many funding sources, and individual donors for making a positive change in our community by funding programs to help promote participation of the marginalized individuals and communities. We are hoping that your support will allow us to expand on this success and helps us plan for the development, and implementation of new programs.
Regards,
Dr. Abdelfettah Elkchirid
Meet thy Neighbour
This program was a 10-week event where the Muslim social services introduced different cultures each week to the population, in the hopes of lessening the cultural divide. They provided an inside look into the specific cultures and traditions observed by them to provide a better understanding to those in the general population. Some examples of cultures explored were Arabs, Mexican and the Sudanese culture. The event was hosted with the Forest Hills United Church and Chandler Mowat Community Center.
Lead the Way
MSS ran a training program which was designed to allow youth community leaders to act as a mediator between young newcomers and service providers, it allows for the enhancement of their knowledge of issues pertaining to mental health care system and health services and relay this information to the newcomer communities in the area.
Annual Fundraising and Awards Dinner!
Muslim Social Services hosted its Annual Awards and Fundraising Dinner on May 5th, 2018, to celebrate its many community partners and volunteers. The event focused on recognizing volunteers who have gone beyond the call of duty to help our clients whether it be through the “Healing Through Art” program or traditional counseling, and community partners who have helped us achieve our goals. The dinner was attended not only by our donors but also had a few special guests such as Member of Parliament Raj Saini, Member of the Parliament, Iqra Khalid and the Mayor of Kitchener, Berry Vrbanovic. It was a night of celebration, community with a hint of traditional dancing from the Yassmine ElSham Syrian Arada Dance group.
Ramadan Food Drive 2018!
This year, we had a very successful Ramadan Food Drive alhamdulilah! The food aid that we chose to distribute this year were in the form of grocery store gift cards. This food drive is a part of MSS’ annual halal food assistance program and it is supported entirely by the donations of our community.
MSS Community Iftars
Muslim Social Services has been able to host two community iftars this Ramadan with the help of our donors and our amazing volunteers served almost 300 people with their homemade iftaris at Chandler Mowat Community Center.
Congratulations to Dr. Abdelfettah Elkchirid
Muslim Social Services would like to congratulate our Board Chair
Dr. Abdelfettah Elkchirid on receiving the World Refugee Day Award of Distinction, 2018.
Summer Students
Muslim Social Services welcomed new summer students this year. Maham Mundh was hired as a Communications Assistant. She is a first year medical laboratory sciences student at the Michener Institute of Education at the UHN. She is passionate about volunteer work and civic engagement within the Muslim community.
