CANADAIAN COUNCIL OF MUSLIM WOMEN
LONDON CHAPTER
ANNUAL REPORT – MARCH 2010

The Chapter currently has 12 paid members.

In 2010 the Chapter was involved in the following activities:

1. Monthly Chapter meetings

2. Collaborative Community Programs:

   1. Museum London (CCMW – London sustaining donor) – Eldon House – Middle Eastern Tea to celebrate Eldon House 75th Anniversary

   2. London Home Economics Association – Clothes for Haiti – members donated fabric and will assist with cutting patterns and sewing clothing which will be donated to women and children in Haiti.

   3. Senior’s Program at the Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario

3. 3. Community Donations:

   1. Women’s Community House – we provide dinners to the Women’s Shelter and food, clothing, toiletries as required

   2. Ronald McDonald House – meals prepared for families staying at the residence supporting their children receiving medical care

   3. Limberlost Subsidized Housing – members contributed to the student bursary program

   4. London Muslim Resource Centre for Social Integration and Support – financial donation

   5. London and Area Food Bank – chapter members sorted food twice this year

   6. London Islamic School – members contributed money, books and baked goods for fund raising bake sale

   7. Donations as required to Muslim women/families at risk in the community

4. Workshops:

   1. Members delivered three workshops to the community for the Pre Marriage Contract

   2. Co-sponsored workshop on Bathing the Deceased

   3. Various speakers have attended our meetings to provide information:

      • - London Muslim Resource Centre for Social Integration and Support

      • - London Homelessness Project

      • - Pharmacist spoke to us about supplements

      • - Yoga/relaxation workshops

      • - Janet Bauer, Associate Professor of International Studies, Hartford, Connecticut shared her experiences with Muslim women in Trinidad

   4. Workshops Attended: Domestic Violence, Homelessness, CCMW National Training for Pre Marriage Contract, Being a Muslim Woman in the 21st Century

5. Representation in community at Large:

   • Ethnocultural Council of London

   • London Abused Women's Centre

   • London & Area Breast Screening Community Advisory Committee

   • London Cross Cultural Learner Centre

   • Londoners for Afghanistian's Women [LAW]

   • London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership Project – Inclusion and Civic Engagement Sub Division

   • MAC Youth Centre

   • Muslim Youth Association of London

6. Social events:

   1. Pot lucks and celebrations of the milestones in member’s lives, Eid, Iftar dinners

   2. Outings to theatre and community events

Submitted by Zanifa Ali, Chair
CCMW – London Chapter

The London Chapter currently has 14 paid members. There are many women in the community who participate in and support our ongoing projects who are not a part of the membership. We have regular monthly meetings.

Community Outreach: The chapter is represented on several local organizations including:

• London and Area Council of Women
• Londoners for Afghanistan’s Women
• Muslim Family Safety Project
• London Middlesex Health Unit

Collaborative Programs:

• Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario
• Association of London Muslims
• London and Area Food Bank
• Women’s Community House
• Ronald McDonald House

This year’s events:

February 2008, CCMW participated in the Tecumseh Public School’s 1st Annual Multicultural Friendship Dinner by providing Middle Eastern Cuisine. This event was sponsored by the Community in South London.

This event was so successful that CCMW was approached to participate in 2009.

In May 2009, we participated in the Tecumseh Public School’s 2nd Annual Multicultural Friendship Dinner, by providing the West Indian/south Asian meal. The proceeds from this event benefited the school and CCMW.

Ronald McDonald House By year’s end, the chapter will have provided 3 dinners to the local organization. This project is spearheaded by Fatima Darwish and a willing and committed group of community volunteers. The group provides a hot and nutritious home cooked dinners to the residents. The house is where families stay while their children are in the hospital.

Museum London - Jamelie Hassan: At the Far Edge of the Words. Jamelie escorted chapter members on a one to one tour of the exhibit. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend personal time with the artist and her works. The exhibition included her works over the past 30 years. Jamelie’s Exhibit was recognized by The Ontario Association of Art Galleries who presented a prestigious award to Museum London for the show. Go to the website below to follow the the exhibit which will travel to the west ending in Vancouver. www.canadianart.ca/online/reviews/2009/05/.../jamelie-hassan

In June, as part of the spring food drive, chapter members and their families volunteered at the

London and Area Food Bank assembling parcels of food for individuals and families in need.

India Fest – the chapter participated in the India-Fest at Covent Garden Market in July. We sold jewelry which made by women with disabilities in India. The proceeds were shared between our chapter and Disabilities Hub who have been very generous supporters of CCMW.

Rahma Foundation presented a Fund Raising Dinner at Noor Cultural Centre. Our Chapter was represented.

Iftar Dinner – Chapter members and their families gathered for an Iftar during Ramadan.

Workshops:

A yoga relaxation workshop presented by Maha Hammoud, RYT. The session was well attended and enjoyed by all.

Workshop for Washing of the Deceased – One session was held in March and another is schedule for November. Approximately 25 people were in attendance at the first workshop. This workshop was open to the community and both men and women were invited to attend. It was held at the Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario.

Londoners for Afghanistan’s Women – made a presentation to the chapter about their work. We hope to work on joint projects in the future.

Women’s Community House Dinner - Members will provide a dinner at the Wellington Street location of the women’s shelter in November.

Donations:

• Museum London
• Braz for Cause (Cancer fundraiser for local women)

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