On Saturday, March 7, CCMW hosted our Annual Iftar at Naan Kabob in Toronto; bringing together community members for an evening of reflection, connection, and collective giving. This year, we raised funds for CCMW’s Emergency Bursary Fund, which provides critical support to Muslim women in Canada facing gender-based violence—helping them and their families access safety, financial relief, and pathways to justice.
Held on the eve of International Women’s Day, the iftar reflected the 2026 theme, “Give To Gain,” honouring the power of generosity and collective care. Alhamdulillah, thanks to the incredible support of our community, we surpassed our Ramadan fundraising goal, raising over $20,000 for the Emergency Bursary Fund.
These contributions will directly support Muslim women and families facing urgent financial barriers, ensuring access to essential resources, stability, and care when it is needed most. We are deeply grateful to everyone who gave so generously throughout this blessed month.
Beyond the fundraising milestone, the evening itself was a powerful reminder of what it means to come together with shared purpose. The Annual Iftar created a space rooted in compassion, unity, and a collective commitment to uplifting those in need.
In addition to CCMW’s Annual Iftar, Chapters across the country brought communities together in meaningful and impactful ways throughout the month of Ramadan. From coast to coast, these gatherings reflected a shared commitment to care, service, and connection.
We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who joined the Ontario Chapters Interfaith Iftar, which took place on International Women’s Day. People of diverse faith backgrounds gathered in a spirit of understanding, solidarity, and mutual respect. The evening was a powerful reminder of the relationships we continue to build across communities.
On March 15, 2026, CCMW’s Atlantic Chapter hosted a public event at the St. John’s Farmers’ Market to mark the launch of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Resource Toolkit for Muslim women and Muslim-identified gender-diverse people. Developed by Shazia Shaheen (Rootwell Consulting), in partnership with the Anti-Racism Coalition of Newfoundland and Labrador (ARC-NL), and supported by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – Office for Women and Gender Equality, the event highlighted the importance of accessible, community-informed resources to address gender-based violence.
During the month of Ramadan, CCMW Quebec’s Montreal Branch led a heartfelt community initiative, Cooking for the Salvation Army Shelter for Women. Volunteers came together to prepare and deliver a full iftar meal, ensuring that women staying at the shelter could break their fast in a comfortable and dignified setting. This initiative was made possible through the generosity of community members who contributed their time, care, and financial support – demonstrating the power of collective action in serving those in need.
Together, we are deeply grateful for the efforts of CCMW’s team and Chapter members across Canada, who embody the spirit of generosity and collective care at the heart of this work.
