Hunger-fighting Campaign Unites People on Compassion: Grassroots efforts tap into spirit of Ramadan

Food banks across Canada are taking part in Give 30, a unique grassroots volunteer-run initiative  combatting hunger in Ramadan.  

Give 30 was founded in 2012 to bring attention to hunger in our communities and encourage people of all  backgrounds to support food banks during the month of Ramadan through GIVE30.ca. The initiative now supports  17 major food banks and anti-poverty organizations across Canada (and one in the USA), which together serve  hundreds of thousands of people.  

Kingston joined the Give 30 campaign in 2014 and has been participating continuously to raise funds and awareness  for Partners in Mission Food Bank, despite the recent challenges of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Last year, in  2023, the Kingston community came together once again to raise a record-breaking grand total of ~$25K through  the Give 30 Campaign, shattering our previous record of $16K from 2022.  

This year, Give 30 Kingston marks its 11th year of giving. Says Mona Rahman (Give 30 Team Kingston), “Through  the challenges of the pandemic, and seeing the hunger felt in places dealing with crises around the world, we are  reminded that hunger is a universal problem, not just “over there” but even in our community right here in Kingston.  We have an increasing population of newcomers fleeing crisis, those battling increasing costs of basic needs, all of  whom are struggling to feed themselves and their families.”  

Dan Irwin, Executive Director of Partners in Mission Food Bank says, “Give 30 have been great supporters of  Partners in Mission Food Bank and we truly appreciate their leadership. With the rising cost of living, we are seeing  more people struggling than ever before. In 2023, a record 1 in 19 people received a food hamper from Partners in  Mission Food Bank. We do not receive government or agency funding and with our community, we help our  neighbours in need.” 

Ramadan is about giving, building community, and understanding the challenges of hunger that others face, says  Michael Taylor (Give 30 Team Kingston). That is why it works so well motivating people to give. “Now more than  ever, communities in Kingston and other Canadian cities need to come together to alleviate the growing instances of  hunger that too many of their citizens are facing,” Taylor emphasizes, “Give 30 is about uniting people of all faiths,  to fight hunger and poverty which knows no race, religion, ethnicity, creed, gender or age and that's why it's important  for everyone to join Give 30.” 

As Give 30 founder, Ziyaad Mia, stated in his national message: “During this time of sadness, despair, and  helplessness, our message of compassion, dignity, unity, and common humanity is more important than ever.”  

We invite schools, community groups, businesses. and individuals to join the Give30 campaign this year. Be creative!  Let’s all fight hunger together. Let us know your initiative at: http://tinyurl.com/Give30YGK  

Ramadan extends from March 11 to April 9, 2024. Campaign launches on March 4, running until June 10.