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Muslim Food Bank & Community Services Raises $120,000+ at 2026 Pre-Ramadan Fundraiser Amid Growing Community Need
2-25-2026
Surrey, BC — February 14, 2026 — More than 350 community members gathered at the Taj Park Convention Centre for an evening centered on service, solidarity, and sustained impact. The 2026 Pre-Ramadan Fundraising Dinner, hosted by Muslim Food Bank & Community Services (MFBCS), raised over $120,000 under the theme “An Evening of Compassion, Community & Change.”
While this year’s total reflects a 16.5% decrease from the audited 2025 figure, the funds arrive at a critical time. Across Canada, families are grappling with rising living costs, housing pressures, and economic uncertainty—conditions that have significantly increased demand for food security and social support services.
Strengthening Organizational Capacity Amid Rising Demand
MFBCS operates nationally as an 80% volunteer-run organization, blending grassroots community engagement with structured program delivery. With operations spanning multiple Canadian cities, the organization relies on volunteer leadership, centralized coordination, and strategic partnerships to deliver consistent, measurable support.
As demand grows, MFBCS leadership emphasized that systems have been strengthened to ensure responsiveness, cost-efficiency, and accountability—key pillars in sustaining long-term impact during challenging economic conditions.
ASPIRE: A Holistic Model Beyond Food Relief
At the heart of MFBCS’ long-term strategy is the ASPIRE Program, a comprehensive counselling and case management initiative serving approximately 3,000 clients annually.
ASPIRE integrates:
Refugee assistance
Employment readiness support
Mental health services
Long-term stabilization planning
Rather than addressing food insecurity alone, the program tackles the root causes of vulnerability—financial hardship, immigration challenges, mental health pressures, and social isolation. The coordinated model ensures families receive not just emergency relief, but structured pathways toward stability and independence.
Food Security Programs Meeting Immediate Needs
Alongside its holistic services, MFBCS continues to deliver large-scale food support nationwide:
20,000+ food hampers distributed annually
1,800 families served monthly
Approximately 5,000 individuals supported each month
Monthly distributions conducted across multiple Canadian cities
Leadership noted that food insecurity is no longer seasonal or short-term. It has become an ongoing structural issue requiring sustained community intervention.
Event Highlights: Dialogue, Youth Leadership & Civic Collaboration
The evening featured a panel discussion titled “Beyond the Hamper: Building Sustainable Pathways Out of Crisis.” Moderated by MFBCS leadership, the panel included:
Tooba Ehtesham, National Program Coordinator (Counselling & Case Management)
Mainu Ahmed, ASPIRE Executive Director
Meimoona Ali, Surrey Headquarters Volunteer
Asad Ilyas, Public Engagement Manager
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The discussion explored the evolving landscape of food insecurity, operational realities in serving vulnerable families, and the importance of pairing emergency relief with long-term case management.
A powerful youth address by Fadheela Hussain highlighted growing next-generation engagement in volunteerism and community leadership—an encouraging sign for the sustainability of service efforts.
The evening’s keynote was delivered by Sheikh Riad, whose energetic and heartfelt message urged attendees to act with urgency and consistency, particularly in the days leading up to Ramadan.
Special remarks were also shared by:
Amna Shah, MLA
Members of the Surrey First team
Community leader Azim Dahya
Speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration between civic leadership and community organizations to address affordability pressures and rising food insecurity.
A Community Response in a Challenging Time
Though fundraising environments have become more difficult, the turnout and generosity of attendees demonstrated that community commitment remains strong. Organizers expressed gratitude for the 350+ supporters who attended and contributed toward sustaining food distributions and wraparound support services.
As Ramadan approaches, MFBCS leadership reminded attendees that acts of compassion during this sacred month carry profound meaning—not only spiritually, but in their tangible impact on families facing hardship.
Ramadan Mubarak. May Allah accept your good deeds during this blessed month. Ameen.
The 2026 Pre-Ramadan Fundraising Dinner served as both a reflection of growing need and a testament to a community determined to respond—with compassion, structure, and sustained action.
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