In 2019, ICERV - the Ismaili Community Engaged in Responsible Volunteering, pledged to undertake 10,000 hours of volunteer community service across Australia and New Zealand, exemplifying Islam’s core values of peace, compassion and care.
By the end of 2019 the target went beyond with 10,017 hours of service completed essentially in two thematic areas - the sustainable planet and poverty alleviation, to improve the quality of life of fellow Australians and New Zealanders.
Ismailis of all ages from 8 - 65 contributed to this pledge in a wide range of areas such as feeding the homeless in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, conducting food drives during Ramadan in collaboration with St Vincent de Paul, donating over 150 Christmas hampers, clean-up of public spaces like beaches & parks, blood donation drives, tree planting, bush care and clean up Australia campaign, in Perth,Adelaide and Brisbane.
In keeping with the theme of environmental sustainability the Community introduced recycled bags to prevent the harmful effects of plastic and removing approximately 25000 plastic bags across ANZ. As part of this initiative, recyclable cups and plates were also introduced in all centers.
The community’s participation in these community service activities has strengthened relationship with St Vincent de Paul in each capital city, the Hills Shire Council (Sydney), Whitehorse City Council (Melbourne), Auckland City Council, Lions Club, Salvation Army, The Australian Red Cross and numerous local Church groups.
The 10K pledge also included the hours contributed by community members in personal community and professional voluntary service such as Board memberships, Rotary clubs, school PTA, office voluntary projects etc
Moving from strength to strength, 2020 has inspired the community to extend the pledge to 15K hours and to work on global initiatives through the Ismail Civic brand, where the Ismaili Community across the globe in over 35 countries will work on community service and volunteering projects. Watch this space !
