‘This is the spirit of Ramadan ... it’s the joy of giving’
Muslim students hand out bags of food to the homeless
KITCHENER — Although she was fasting for Ramadan, Mariam Mesto couldn’t have been happier about giving away food.
Mesto, president of the Muslim Student Association at Conestoga College, and a group of volunteers packed and handed out bags of food to homeless people in Kitchener and Cambridge on Saturday to share the joy of Ramadan.
“This is the spirit of Ramadan,” Mesto said. “It’s about giving.”
The student association has hosted several activities during the holy month, including a charity dinner to support refugees.
Fifteen volunteers spent an hour on Saturday morning packing 265 paper bags with a shawarma sandwich, water, apple and yogurt.
“We’re all fasting today,” Mesto said.
They dropped of the food bags to shelters in Kitchener and
Cambridge, and then stood in front of Kitchener City Hall at midday to hand them out to those in need.
All the bags were quickly distributed, with several people waiting nearby for one.
Mesto said the experience was heartwarming.
“Together we can do something.
“We can actually make someone’s day.”
Mature student Niveen Shrem brought along her children to help.
“It’s good for them to see what other people’s life is like,” Shrem said.
“It’s good to make people happy.”
Ramadan continues until Friday evening, when the month of daytime fasting is finally broken. Until then, the volunteers will feel satisfied knowing they helped those who were less fortunate.
“There’s no bigger joy than giving,” Mesto said.
The students were helped by three sponsors in Cambridge: Mozy’s Shawarma, the Islamic Centre of Cambridge and Shaan Foods.