Surrey, BC | February 14, 2026
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Muslim Food Bank and Community Services raised over $120,000 at its 2026 Pre Ramadan Fundraising Dinner held at the Taj Park Convention Centre in Surrey, BC. The event welcomed more than 350 attendees under the theme An Evening of Compassion, Community and Change.
While this year reflects a 16.5 percent decrease from the audited 2025 total, the funds were raised during a period of increasing economic strain and rising demand for food and social support services across Canada.
Addressing Growing Food Insecurity
Fundraising conditions have become more challenging. At the same time, the need for services continues to rise. The organization reports a steady increase in families seeking assistance due to affordability pressures and rising living costs.
Leadership emphasized that food insecurity is no longer seasonal. It is an ongoing issue that requires sustained, coordinated intervention.
Food Security Impact
Muslim Food Bank continues to operate food security programs across multiple Canadian cities. Current impact includes:
• Over 20,000 food hampers distributed annually
• Approximately 1,800 families served each month
• Roughly 5,000 individuals supported monthly
• Monthly food distributions across multiple cities
These programs provide consistent access to halal food support for families facing hardship.
ASPIRE Program: Beyond Emergency Relief
In addition to food distribution, the organization delivers long term support through its ASPIRE holistic service model.
ASPIRE serves approximately 3,000 clients annually through structured counselling and case management.
Services include:
• Refugee assistance
• Employment readiness support
• Mental health services
• Long term stabilization planning
This coordinated approach addresses root causes of vulnerability, including financial hardship, immigration challenges, mental health pressures, and social isolation.
Organizational Strength
Muslim Food Bank operates as a national organization that is 80 percent volunteer run. The model combines grassroots efficiency with structured program delivery.
Operations span multiple Canadian cities and rely on:
• Volunteer leadership
• Centralized coordination
• Community partnerships
As demand increases, the organization has strengthened internal systems to maintain accountability and cost efficiency while scaling services.
Event Highlights
The evening featured a panel discussion titled Beyond the Hamper: Building Sustainable Pathways Out of Crisis.
Panelists included:
• Tooba Ehtesham, National Program Coordinator, Counselling and Case Management
• Mainu Ahmed, ASPIRE Executive Director
• Meimoona Ali, Surrey Headquarters Volunteer
• Asad Ilyas, Public Engagement Manager
The discussion focused on the evolving landscape of food insecurity and the importance of pairing emergency food relief with structured counselling and long term case management.
A youth address by Fadheela Hussain highlighted growing next generation engagement in volunteer leadership.
The keynote address was delivered by Sheikh Riad, who called on attendees to act with urgency and consistency in supporting families facing hardship, especially as Ramadan approaches.
Special remarks were delivered by:
• Amna Shah, MLA
• Members of the Surrey First Team
Speakers emphasized collaboration between community organizations and civic leadership to address affordability pressures and rising food insecurity.
Strategic Outlook
As Ramadan approaches, the organization anticipates increased service demand. Although attendance declined this year, leadership views the fundraiser as a critical mobilization effort ahead of a high demand season.
The $120,000 plus raised will directly support monthly food distributions and wraparound services throughout 2026.
Leadership acknowledged the need to:
• Diversify the donor base
• Strengthen engagement with younger donors
• Adapt to a more competitive philanthropic environment
Despite economic challenges, the organization remains operationally strong, volunteer powered, and focused on measurable outcomes.
CEO Statement
Azim Dahya, CEO of Muslim Food Bank and Community Services, stated:
Raising funds in this economic climate demonstrates the strength of our community. At the same time, the demand we are seeing is urgent. More families than ever are turning to us for support, and that reality requires sustained action.
Sponsors and Community Partners
The organization extended appreciation to its sponsors.
Platinum Sponsors:
• Metro Express LTD
• Advanced Tax Services
• Element Consulting Engineers LTD
• Rahma Foundation
Silver Sponsors:
• Westland Insurance
• Saffaz Medical Solutions INC
• Derna Dental Clinic
• Gateway Assisted Living
• AlBaraka Speciality Foods and Bakery LTD
Bronze Sponsors:
• ShiftRight Change Made Easy
• Francis Ali, Residential Real Estate Specialist
Community members and partners are encouraged to continue supporting ongoing efforts as food insecurity rises and more families seek help.
