Seeing the Big Picture of
Your Impact! ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT 2025
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ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA
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Introduction
04
Follow Your Donation
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Emergency Response
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Development Response
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Orphan Sponsorship
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Our Help at Home
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Seasonal Projects Ramadan Qurbani/Udhiya Aqiqah Eid Gifts
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Thank You
ANNUAL IMPAC T REPOR T 2025
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Introduction Who We Are Islamic Relief works in over 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving humanitarian aid to those in need, and fighting poverty through sustainable development projects. Inspired by faith, we serve everyone in need regardless of gender, race, or religion.
Our Impact This Year Because of you, we reached over 4.4 million people in 2025 and carried out 113 projects to help bring relief and break the cycle of poverty. Every donation you made this year helped fill someone’s heart with happiness. Thank you for your continued generosity and care!
4.4 Million People 113 Projects
Islamic Relief Canada is recognized by Charity Intelligence as one of Canada’s Top One Hundred Charities!
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ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA
Our Vision
Our Mission
To mobilize Canadians to transform more lives around the world in the most trusted manner.
A more compassionate and just world where no one is left behind.
Follow Your Donation Follow Your $1 Donation For every $1 we raise:
$0.86 goes directly into helping people in need $0.10 to raise more funds $0.04 towards administrative costs
For every 1 cent that we spend on fundraising, we raise an additional 9 cents. That’s an extra 90 cents on top of your $1.
Your donation is nearly DOUBLED.
Understanding Our Overhead Costs Admin Costs Our admin cost helps us increase the quality and efficacy of our work and avoid duplication of efforts or any waste. It also allows us to adhere to the highest standards of oversight, compliance and accountability. Ultimately, it means increased accountability and transparency for you. That is why information on overhead costs and our annual audited financial statements are readily available on our website.
ANNUAL IMPAC T REPOR T 2025
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Charitable Expenditures 2025 Audited Financial Statements are scheduled to be completed in June 2026.
Charitable Expenditure by Program
* Emergency Response includes disaster as well as humanitarian responses
43%
19%
Emergency Response* $46,909,451
Development Projects $20,431,185
2024 Charitable Expenditure Your donations are spread across various charitable funds, each one fulfilling a particular humanitarian and development need. In 2024, our largest charitable expenditures were for emergency relief, development work, as well as our orphan sponsorship program.
12%
15%
Seasonal Projects $13,112,210
Orphan Sponsorship $16,700,135
12%
Our Help at Home $12,980,170
Charitable Expenditure by Donation Type
This graph shows our charitable expenditure of donations split by religious intent
14%
Zakat $15,422,972
15%
Sadaqa & Sadaqa Jariyah $16,490,078
59%
10%
Qurbani & Aqiqah $11,206,668
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ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA
2%
Zakat al-Fitr, Fidya & Kaffara $1,905,542
Other Donations $65,107,891
2022
2023
2024
OVER TH E PAST 3 Y E AR S
Total revenue
$125,876,602
Total expenditure
$127,929,890
Charitable programs
$110,133,151
Fundraising
$12,972,464
Administration
$4,824,275
Total revenue
$109,242,368
Total expenditure
$102,659,001
Charitable programs
$87,582,490
Fundraising
$11,752,285
Administration
$3,324,226
Total revenue
$81,308,685
Total expenditure
$87,968,360
Charitable programs
$74,187,974
Fundraising
$10,566,768
Administration
$3,213,618
Discussion & Analysis Over the last year, Islamic Relief donors have continued to demonstrate their generosity, supporting causes like Orphan Sponsorship, Palestine, Sudan, and others, resulting in donation revenues growing by 15% ($16.6M). Year-over-year, our Canadian donors have been ready to answer the call. Our overhead costs ($17.8M) declined slightly in proportion to revenue, falling from 14.7% in 2023, to 13.9% in 2024. This means that for every $1 we raise, $0.86 goes directly into people in need. As our organization matures, we continue to monitor our overhead and ensure every dollar is spent in the most impactful manner, either to reduce our risk, or to raise even more funds for those we serve. The minor fluctuations in these costs are associated with the organization's growth as we aim to fulfill our mission, as well as economic trends in the regions in which we operate.
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Emergency Response Our emergency responses assess the urgent needs of the community and implement tailored life-saving humanitarian aid. We work efficiently to ensure the most vulnerable have access to food, clean water, shelter, and basic services such as education, sanitation, and healthcare.
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ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA
2025 Emergency Response Impact
2,736,414 Rights-Holders
16 Countries
TURKIYE 3 1,535
46 Projects
SYRIA
7 913,090
AFGHANISTAN
MOROCCO
6 188,481
1 1,200
LEBANON
NEPAL
3 118,958
PALESTINE 7 697,614
1 19,200
JORDAN 1 10
NIGER
YEMEN
1 4,550
2 315,548
SUDAN
PAKISTAN 2 65,942
SOMALIA
3 219,486
BANGLADESH
1 7,411
5 170,571
CONGO 2 8,318
KENYA
1 4,500
KEY Number of Projects Rights-holders
ANNUAL IMPAC T REPOR T 2025
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20 2 5 EMER GENCY APPE ALS OV E RVIE W
Afghanistan Earthquake Response Food Packs
Gaza Emergency Appeal Hot meals
Medical aid
Psychosocial support
Food packs & nutritional supplements
Clean Water
Shelter repair & Tents Medical Aid
Pakistan Floods Appeal Hot meals & food packs
Hurricane Melissa Appeal in Jamaica Food packs
Hygiene kits
Shelter repair & Tents
Sudan Emergency Appeal Cash grants
Livelihood & agriculture
Psychosocial support
Medical aid
Islamic Relief Canada is a member of the Humanitarian Coalition, an association of the top 12 leading aid organizations to provide Canadians with a simple and effective way to help during international humanitarian disasters. As the only Muslim organization in the coalition, we proudly champion Muslim voices and advocate for a greater collective responsibility to Gaza and Sudan. This is how we double our reach and impact.
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ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA
E MER GENCY H IGHL IGHTS
Your Zakat helped here!
SUDAN CRISIS Islamic Relief is on the ground in Sudan in Al Jazirah, Sennar, Red Sea, Blue Nile, Gedaref, Khartoum, Central Darfur, and North and West Kordofan states — standing alongside communities in some of the hardest-hit regions. Through food, clean water, and safe spaces for displaced people, your support is bringing hope to their darkest days. Since April 2023, Islamic Relief has provided:
17 million metric ton of food
Cash assistance to over 83,000 households
Clean water to 31,421 people
Agricultural seeds and equipment to 57,450 farmers
11,158 hygiene supplies and 5,923 menstrual hygiene kits
Medicine and supplies to 54 hospitals and clinics
And more!
1.2 Million Rights-holders Reached through funds from Islamic Relief
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GAZA CRISIS Islamic Relief is on the ground, working alongside local partners, and providing medical support and equipment to local hospitals, clean water, hot meals and food items, psychosocial support, and bedding items. Through the collective support of all Islamic Relief offices globally, you are helping us provide:
71 million hot meals
2.2 million medical supply items
Clean water to 110,115 people daily
Psychosocial support to 100,533 children and 503 women
Lipid-based nutrient supplements to 35,000 people monthly
Health services to 14,140 individuals
And more!
600,000 Rights-holders Reached through funds from Islamic Relief Canada
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ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA
Your Zakat helped here!
STORY H I G H L I G H T
Three Miracles Amid the Darkness Alaa from Gaza, 31 years old Alaa gave life to three baby girls in Gaza in April of 2025. Alaa, 31, has been displaced three times since the crisis began, each time forced to leave everything behind. When she learned she was pregnant with triplets, she was already weak from hunger and constant stress. “There were nights I went to sleep crying, not knowing if my daughters would still be alive in the morning.” One night, after hearing her neighbourhood would be bombed, Alaa fled with her children, clutching her stomach and praying her babies would survive. They found shelter in an overcrowded school with little food or clean water. Her health worsened, and she feared for her life and theirs. With your support, Alaa received care at Al-Awda Hospital, including check-ups, vital nutrients, and the c-section surgery she needed to safely deliver her babies. “During the operation, I lost a lot of blood. I could feel myself fading. But I heard a cry from one of my daughters. That cry brought me back. They are my miracles. My proof that even in war, life insists on being born.” Alaa’s story reflects the experience of many mothers in Gaza, who overcome fear with courage and remind us that even in the darkest moments, life persists. Alaa is one of 1,380 women who have received life-saving maternal healthcare through your support these past few months.
“Without this project, I wouldn’t be here. And neither would they. This wasn’t just medical care; it was a rescue mission for four lives.”
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Development Projects Our development projects are never about a single need. They focus on the big picture, address a number of crosscutting issues at the same time, and meet communities where they are so they can thrive with confidence!
2025 Impact of Development Projects 1,429,539 Rights-Holders
27 Countries 50 Projects
KEY Number of Projects Rights-holders
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ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA
BOSNIA 1 865
ALBANIA
2 190,190
KOSOVO 3 11,778
TURKIYE 3 1,807
SYRIA
3 202,693
TUNISIA
IRAQ
1 9,620
AFGHANISTAN
PAKISTAN
1 950
2 149,020
1 72
NIGER JOINT PROJECT
76,950
NEPAL
1 16,165
MALI
2 13,620
2 48,500
BANGLADESH 3 25,600
EGYPT
PHILIPPINES
1 9,000
2 9,525
JORDAN 1 6,250
YEMEN
3 270,875
ETHIOPIA 2 75,214
SUDAN
SOMALIA
1 31,917
1 167,482
INDIA
2 39,056
SRI LANKA 3 19,949
SOUTH SUDAN 1 14,640
INDONESIA 2 14,879
SOUTH AFRICA 2 698
MALAWI
2 16,224
KENYA
1 6,000
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Our Integrated Approach Food Implementing innovative food solutions globally to improve food security, sustainability, and maternal health, and fight malnutrition.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Working to ensure that greater water equality, sanitation, and hygiene are achieved to improve the basic health of communities.
S T ORY HIGHL IGH T
Breaking the Cycle Esmotara from Bangladesh “I never imagined a fruit orchard could change my life.” Living in extreme poverty, Esmotara struggled to support her family on her husband’s small income. Her daughter’s education was at risk, and hope fell out of reach. Determined to change her circumstances, Esmotara started planting vegetables in a small home garden, but the income was barely enough. When she learned about a program by Islamic Relief that helps families build sustainable livelihoods, everything changed. “It was like a shower of blessing from heaven when I heard what Islamic Relief would do for me during the first orientation session.” With a cash grant and training, Esmotara bought a cow and started a fruit orchard. Today, mango, papaya, litchi, jackfruit, guava, lemon, banana, and pomegranate trees flourish in her yard. “I am breaking the cycle of poverty and building a future for my family. I want our home to be a model in the community.”
Health Saving lives by providing urgent medical support for hospitals and clinics, increasing access to health and psychosocial services, and improving disease prevention.
S T ORY HIGHL IGH T
From the First Hours Darine from Syria Darine was born prematurely in rural western Idlib. Just six hours old, she was struggling to breathe and needed immediate resuscitation. Her family, already living in extreme poverty, rushed her to Al-Barnas Hospital, supported by Islamic Relief. There, doctors stabilized her with oxygen support and placed her in a specialized incubator. She received essential medication, intensive monitoring, and intravenous nutrition, at no cost to Darine’s family. Slowly, Darine began to show signs of improvement. For her family, this care was nothing short of life-saving. Islamic Relief continues to equip AlBarnas Hospital with infant ventilators, incubators, and ongoing medical training, ensuring newborns like Darine have a fighting chance.
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ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA
Protection Building safer and more equitable communities for women and girls by fighting gender-based violence, inequality and poverty, and advocating for human rights and dignity for all.
S T ORY HIGHL IGH T
Education Increasing access to equitable education, improving standards and facilities, and investing in better capacity for teachers and caregivers.
Providing Safe Spaces Patricia from Malawi Patricia is the Senior Superintendent of Police in the Machinjiri commune and often witnesses the harsh realities of gender-based violence in the community. “Most incidents occur at night, when women, after being beaten or abandoned by their husbands, would call the police for assistance. In the worst cases, many were thrown out of their homes with their young children, left with nowhere to go but to the police station.” Since the Islamic Relief project began, the situation has transformed. The new shelter now gives survivors a safe place to rest, sleep, and receive immediate care. The community has truly embraced the shelter. The project’s training sessions for community leaders, police officers, and service providers have also strengthened awareness and improved the way violence is addressed. Positive change is already becoming visible.
Shelter Ensuring adequate shelter and safety for families, women and children who are affected by conflict, disasters, poverty, and the impacts of climate change.
“Islamic Relief has truly been a friend. They have been instrumental in addressing the challenges we faced by providing real, sustainable solutions. The project was implemented exactly as planned, with no compromises, and the results have been profound.”
Livelihood Empowering families to run their own businesses and implement innovative solutions, as a vital key to bring communities out of poverty.
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Orphan Sponsorship
Your kindness transforms lives
With your support, our Orphan Sponsorship Program has helped transform countless lives, families, and communities around the world. Today, we are sponsoring over 27,000 orphans worldwide! Each donor is paired on a direct 1-1 basis with an orphan in need. Your monthly cash sponsorship is transferred to our field offices quarterly for immediate distribution to the same orphan to uplift their lives and help change their futures. 80% of your sponsorship goes directly to the orphan in the form of a cash transfer, while 20% supports operating costs for this program, which are essential to its success and ensures sustainable support for each orphan.
27,684 Orphans Sponsored Because Of You
13,035 Female orphans
14,649 Male orphans
80% of your sponsorship goes directly to the orphan
20% of your sponsorship supports operating costs
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ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA
46 Orphans with disabilities
26 Countries
Iraq 273
India 288
Kosova 104
Mali 1,672 Morroco 50
Yemen 1,862
Afghanistan 1,396
Sudan 655 Jordan 386
Somalia 1,090
Chechnya 178
Türkiye 1,045
Sri Lanka 154
Palestine | Gaza 10,507
Malawi 390
Bosnia 230
Bangladesh 1,329
Syria 1,120 Niger 1,005 Kenya 611
Indonesia
Lebanon 863
Pakistan 1,402
474
Ethiopia 369
South Africa 108
Albania 123
ANNUAL IMPAC T REPOR T 2025
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S T ORY HIGHL IGHT S
The Power of Education
Khadija from Malawi, 19 years old
Because of YOU, Khadija was able to enroll in Public Health at the Fatima Nursing College. She excels in her studies, gaining recognition for her involvement in health awareness campaigns and volunteer work in the community. Khadija is a testament to hope. Once a young girl facing uncertainty and the loss of her father — now a promising young professional with a clear vision for her future. Your orphan sponsorship goes beyond transforming the life of an orphan; it reaches the entire family. Khadija’s mom has been able to venture into the restaurant business, now earning an income for the household. Her brother has enrolled back into school after being forced to drop out due to financial difficulties. Thank you for changing her life. Thank you for transforming 27,684 lives, just like Khadija’s.
A Family’s Transformative Journey Amrellah from Ethiopia, 17 years old
Amrellah has been part of the Orphan Sponsorship Program since 2015. Through this support, Amrellah, his mom, and 2 siblings were able to rent a basic room. It lacked proper water and electricity, but his family made it work. Through our new sponsorship pricing, Amrellah and his family received more funding to afford renting a home in a safer location and one that’s equipped with electricity, water, latrines, and proper ventilation. His mom was able to leave her physically laborious job to now cook for a living and sell her items at the local market. Through your donations, Amrellah and his family own new cookware and appliances which allow them to enjoy quality home-cooked meals. Your orphan sponsorship donations not only reach an orphan, but their entire family too. Your support is truly transformative.
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Our Help at Home Islamic Relief Canada works with local grassroots organizations to build healthy communities from coast to coast. From providing food hampers to supporting evacuees from Gaza, providing warm meals, and so much more — we do it all through your support.
P ROJE C T H I G H L I G H T Alhamdulillah, this year our Qurbani program reached Winnipeg for the first time! In partnership with four local organizations, we distributed fresh, hand-slaughtered meat to families across the city. Many recipients, including elderly individuals, rarely have access to this kind of support due to the costof-living crisis. This initiative revived the tradition of sharing Qurbani on Eid al Adha and brought joy to everyone involved! MASJID MATCHING
44 10 Projects
masjids reached BACK-TO-SCHOOL KITS
21,951
Rights-Holders
3,388 rights-holders reached WINTER WARMTH KITS
DOMESTIC RAMADAN FOOD HAMPERS
5,896 rights-holders reached DOMESTIC EID GIFTS
3,746 rights-holders reached DOMESTIC QURBANI
3,544 rights-holders reached
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3,000 rights-holders reached
Our Work with Gazan Evacuees Over this past year, Islamic Relief has continued to work tirelessly to provide vital support to evacuees from Gaza, here in Canada. Islamic Relief Canada helped:
The Gaza Hardship Grant provided a lifeline during one of the most difficult times in my life. It helped cover essential needs when I had no other resources to turn to. More than just financial support, it was a reminder that I was not alone—that people cared and were willing to help. I am deeply grateful for the compassion and solidarity shown through this grant. - Evacuee from Gaza
701 people supported through the hardship grant
When we had no source of income and the days were filled with worry, the gift cards from Islamic Relief came like a mercy from Allah. They allowed us to buy food, necessities, and small comforts that made a big difference.
200 children though summer camp
And more!
- Evacuee from Gaza
New Project Aler t
Coding in Colour Coding in Colour is a 6-month, fully funded online training program designed to help Gazan evacuees in Canada build digital skills, gain professional confidence, and access career opportunities in Canada’s growing tech industry. Through expert-led training, 1-on-1 mentorship, and career placement support, participants will gain the skills needed to thrive in digital and tech-related careers.
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Seasonal Projects
• Ramadan Food Program • Qurbani / Udhiya Program • Aqiqah Program • Eid Gifts Distribution
Ramadan With your support, we distributed food packs in impoverished communities to provide relief during the blessed month of Ramadan. Through this effort, we also distributed your Zakat al-Fitr, Fidya, and Kaffara payments in the form of food supplies to the poorest of the poor.
What’s Inside a Food Pack? While the contents vary according to region, local diet customs and availability, each food pack usually contains:
Dates
Oil
Lentils
Wheat
Rice
Canned meat and fish
Sugar
Average Food Pack:
OF 5-7 56 KG = FAMILY FOR ONE MONTH
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ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA
Ramadan Food Packs: Your Donations in Action India
Ethiopia
7,977
4,788
Iraq
3,541 Lebanon
7,504 Bangladesh
9,087
Mali
5,500 Afghanistan
8,780
Niger
6,933
Yemen
Pakistan
10,286
10,244
Syria
7,688
Palestine | Gaza
13,528 Sudan
10,152
South Africa
4,613
Somalia
6,440
This Ramadan
117,061 People
Were Supported Because of You
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Qurbani/Udhiya Over 35 years, we have developed a very efficient, costeffective, and reliable process for our Qurbani programming. In the countries we work, the entire Qurbani process from start to finish is regulated to the highest Islamic, ethical, and humanitarian standards.
MEAT PACKET
Our offices organize everything in advance to fulfill your sacrifice, including buying high-quality animals from local farms and on Eid, ensuring your sacrifice is done humanely, hygienically, and without waste.
FAMILY OF
4-5
4KG
Qurbani Meat Packs: Your Donations in Action 2,800
Afghanistan
12,900
Bangladesh
17,640
Bangladesh
(Rohingya Refugees)
1,275
Bosnia
480
Egypt
140,811 People
2,000
Ethiopia
3,750
Iraq 1,238
Jordan
900
Kosovo
Lebanon Malawi
2,571
Mali
2,400
Niger
Pakistan Palestine (Gaza)
9,053
9,053
4,542 21,600
1,502
South Africa
503
Sri Lanka
8,571 2,379
Syria
3,750
Turkiye Yemen
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15,357
10,500
Somalia
Sudan
Received Meat on Eid Across 23 Countries
10,200
Kenya
ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA
4,900
Aqiqah A total of 574 Aqiqahs were distributed this year to celebrate the births of our donors’ newborn children, with quality fresh meat distributed to vulnerable families in Kenya. We utilized a community-led approach in the process of sacrifice and distribution to involve community organizations and volunteers along with staff and provide dignified paid labour opportunities for those in need.
Eid Gift Distribution Sharing the Joy of Eid with Children in Need Your kindness gifted smiles to orphans and vulnerable children on Eid day through new clothes, shoes, school bags and educational material, and toys. These gifts full of joy reached children in Gaza, Sudan, and Yemen, bringing them hope during their darkest hour.
7,797 Children 6,996 Rights-holders Reached through Aqiqah!
Received Your Eid al-Fitr Gifts!
2,390 Children Received Your Eid al-Adha Gifts!
ANNUAL IMPAC T REPOR T 2025
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T hank You from Our CEO It is difficult to put this year into words. It brought moments that tested us deeply and challenged us in ways we never expected. We witnessed indescribable pain, from Sudan to Palestine and across the world. We saw hardship that no community should ever have to bear. Yet even in the midst of that pain, we saw you, a community that refused to look away. People whose compassion, strength, and commitment held families together in their most vulnerable moments. I know that saying thank you will never be enough. But I also know that your generosity is not offered for praise or acknowledgement. Your reward is with Allah, and that is what truly matters. Still, I want you to know that when I look at this community, I see people who show up with sincerity. I see people who rise to every challenge. I see a community that cannot be shaken by doubt or adversity. From the moment I first came to Canada, your dedication moved me. Today, that feeling is even stronger. The reason we were able to touch the lives of 4.4 million people this year is simple. It is because of you. Every family whose story changed for the better, every orphan who felt joy again, and every community that found hope are reflections of what you stand for. I pray that Allah SWT rewards you for what you have given, and that the impact of your efforts continues to reach far beyond what any report can capture. Thank you for standing with us, for believing in our mission, and for continuing to push us forward.
Your brother,
Tufail Hussain CEO, Islamic Relief Canada
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How to Get Involved Every person who joins this community brings something different, and each contribution shapes the work in its own way. The next person to shape this journey could be you!
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Volunteer From events to going abroad to local initiatives, the possibilities are endless, and it all starts with you! Sign up at islamicrelief.ca/volunteer
Fundraise For Us Advocate for a cause and get your friends involved! Whether in lieu of birthday gifts or in memory of a loved one. Start today at islamicrelief.ca/crowdfunding
Challenges
Follow & Share
Be part of our life-changing trips here in Canada and around the world while visiting our offices on the ground, all for a good cause! Sign up at islamicrelief.ca/challenges
Be part of our exciting online journey and follow us on social media!
Inspire
Continue Your Impact
Gain hands-on learning of our relief work through field study trips, while raising awareness and funds for projects across the world! Sign up at islamicrelief.ca/ inspire
Help us reach even more people in need by making a donation online. From our humanitarian work in Sudan and Gaza to funding local community programming, Islamic Relief Canada has various programs you can support.
@islamicreliefcanada
islamicrelief.ca/donate
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3503 Mainway Burlington, ON L7M 1A9 www.islamicrelief.ca 1-855-377-4673 (HOPE) Registered Charity No. 821896875RR0001