The activity was a part of Ismaili CIVIC 150, a Diamond Jubilee initiative where Canadian Ismailis have pledged one million hours of voluntary service to Canada on the 150th anniversary of its Confederation.
“This is our way of giving back to the country which has been so kind to us,” Fayez Thawer, the event’s project manager, told the.ismaili. Thawer serves as the Ismaili Council for Ottawa’s Community Relations Manager
“The notion of service has always been less of a responsibility and more of an integral part of how we live,” he added.
After registration, volunteers proceeded to their designated parks where they collected leaves and garbage and cleared park entrances of debris.
“I love this event because it creates a sense of belonging in the community,” said Farzana Lalani, a participant.
Saif Charania, another participant, loved seeing elder Jamati members helping younger ones learn about Canadian Ismaili values.
Rizwan Jaffer, chairman of the World Partnership Walk in Ottawa, was one of the many volunteers who took part.
“As Canadians, it is our civic duty to continuously improve upon betterment of the country,” he said afterwards.
“As Ismaili Muslims, it is our moral duty and responsibility to take care of the world that has been entrusted to us.”
Get counted! Find out more, register and log your hours at iicanada.org/ismailicivic150
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