Pakistani in Vancouver Facebook Group celebrates eid with Newcomers in Vancouver

Settling in a new country or even a new city can be daunting especially when with limited or no social contacts in the new place. In such times, celebrations such as Eid evoke fond memories of the familiar past and sometimes somber the mood. With these thoughts in mind, volunteers from the Pakistani in Vancouver Facebook group organized an Eid Milan potluck on July 2 for newcomers in Vancouver. The goal was simple – provide a platform to meet new people, informally share the common challenges as newcomers and jointly celebrate the occasion of Eid ul Fitr. The event was held at a festively decorated hall in North Delta Recreation Center. Guests were greeted by Sabahat Nawab and other volunteers at the door. The program was hosted by Dr. Zanbka Malik and Ms. Misbah Naseer, Ms. Naseer introduced Pakistani in Vancouver facebook page which is now in its eighth year and its founder Dr. Malik who has been the driving force behind various initiatives under this facebook page, including the series of events for newcomers. Dr. Malik conducted the first half of the program oriented towards youth. It recitation of the Holy Quran by Ms. Farwah Arslan, a speech about the experience of Eid by Ms. Fatima Nadeem and a children’s quiz prepared by Ms. Bushra Tariq and aptly conducted by Ms. Yasera Sami, Ms. Amira Azam and Ms. Hina Gehlen. Ms. Sania Sami and other young volunteers attended to younger kids as their parents enjoyed the program. Door prizes were then distributed among the guests. This was followed by a cake cutting ceremony by Ms. Anjum Rafiq, the most senior in the group of volunteers. Guests were then invited for lunch as Ms. Rahila Ansari and other volunteers efficiently managed the potluck tables. After lunch, an entertaining round of games and activities was organized by Ms. Anjum Khan, Ms. Humaira Imtiaz and Ms. Ayesha Turab. Together, the team of 13 volunteers successfully organized an event for all ages and enjoyable for all newcomers. The event was made possible with generous sponsors including Mr. and Mrs. Mohammad Rehan, Mr. Noman Sadiq, Mr. Hamza Malik, Mrs. Anjum Rafiq and Mrs. Sabahat Nawab. Dil Apna Pakistan TV also covered the event for their TV show.