Connecting to Community
VOLUNTEERING
When I moved to Canada, I discovered that once the kids grew up, there wasn't much to do at home. As the days dragged on, I found myself doing nothing meaningful. I frequently questioned whether there was anything I could do to pass the time. My sister-in-law invited me one day to accompany her to the Mosque. I discovered a ladies committee that was seeking a new president. The idea of women organizing a committee for the community's benefit resonated with me. I have now been volunteering for 20 years. I work extremely hard as a volunteer and I enjoy the work and the ladies who volunteer as well. I wish I could do more.
VOLUNTEERING
When I first arrived in Edmonton, one of the first things my husband and I did was attend the first ever mosque built in Canada. I remember my first time there, there were two or three ladies inside the mosque. When I first walked in, all these ladies came up to me and began greeting me with kisses, asking me how I was and even offering me a few things, and it just made me feel so welcome I thought to myself, ‘Oh, my God. This is a place I always wanted’. I was so touched by my first visit there that I felt the need to go back. I felt this sense of belonging that I did not experience anywhere else. I decided to volunteer at the mosque and give back to the community that welcomed me with open and loving arms when I needed it the most. This turned out to be my main method of developing social connections, something I was unaware of at the time. I always went to volunteer for the kids. I like to go and visit seniors in the hospital and I always want to see if families need food.
VOLUNTEERING
I received an award as a result of the extensive volunteer work I did at the mosque. My husband attended the ceremony to celebrate my success, and despite not being able to walk at the time, he mustered enough strength to attend the ceremony to celebrate my success and support me as he had always done. Volunteering was one of my primary sources that helped me fight against the loneliness I felt in my life. Loneliness is always there, always. And I know that because lots of seniors need help with loneliness.
VOLUNTEERING TOGETHER
I frequently volunteer at the mosque near my home. One of the major achievements was that I was a volunteer for the Palestinian community at Heritage days. Every year Edmonton hosts ‘Heritage Days’ where representatives from many different nations showcase their cultures. I remember how our tent was the busiest. There was an energetic atmosphere in the tent, everyone was singing, eating, dancing, and left with smiles on their faces. Whenever someone asks if I would live somewhere else, I could never imagine leaving my friends. They are my family, I made acquaintances here. I'm happy with them, even if I don’t see them, we connect on WhatsApp, and when there’s a challenge you’ll find we come immediately together.
