Run for Palestine Report 2025 | Islamic Relief Canada

ISLAMIC RELIEF’S EMERGENCY RESPONSE

NATIONAL RUNS SUPPORTING GAZA RELIEF EFFORTS

RUN FOR PALESTINE · DONOR IMPACT REPORT | 2025

Your Support Changes Lives

Assalamu Alaikum Run for Palestine community,

On behalf of Islamic Relief Canada, thank you for standing with the people of Gaza through your extraordinary generosity, year after year. Your collective contribution of $772,099 CAD has helped deliver urgent, life-saving support to families facing unimaginable hardship.

For over two years, Gaza has faced relentless violence and constant uncertainty. It is because of partners like you that our work continues, supporting communities as they navigate these challenges with resilience and strength.

Run for Palestine is a reflection of a community rooted in action and solidarity. We are deeply grateful for your trust and partnership.

Thank you for continuing to show up for Palestine. May Allah SWT reward you for every life touched by your generosity, bless you for all that you do, and allow us to witness a liberated Palestine together. Ameen.

Warmest Regards,

Tufail Hussain CEO, Islamic Relief Canada

The Situation on the Ground

Life in Gaza continues to shift by the day. While a ceasefire has brought brief pauses in violence, the humanitarian situation remains severe. Families are trying to survive in an environment shaped by widespread destruction, displacement, and the collapse of basic systems needed for daily life.

Here’s a look into life on the ground in Gaza:

» Over 71,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 171,000 wounded since October 2023.

» In total, more than 243,000 people have been killed or injured, representing over 10% of Gaza’s population.

» Unemployment has risen above 80%, leaving most families without reliable income or access to basic necessities.

» 87% of cropland has been damaged, including olive trees, orchards, and vegetable fields that once sustained local food systems.

» Approximately 180 births occur daily under emergency conditions, with many women facing serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

» 57% of people live within 10 meters of raw sewage or waste, creating dangerous health conditions.

» 81% of all structures in Gaza have been damaged, and 92% of homes are destroyed or unsafe to live in.

» Around 1.3 million displaced people are sheltering across 970 sites, many of them overcrowded, makeshift, or collective centres.

» 10% of households are going entire days without eating.

» 31,000 children aged 6 months to 5 years are projected to require treatment for severe malnutrition.

» 1.1 million children require mental health or psychosocial support.

» More than 58,000 children have lost one or both parents.

This is the reality families in Gaza continue to face. The scale of need remains immense, and sustained support is critical to help communities survive and begin to recover.

Overview of Our Response in Gaza

This is where partners like you come in. In the face of ongoing devastation, your support allows life-saving relief to reach families when it is needed most.

For years, the Israeli occupation has shaped daily life in Palestine, leaving generations to navigate a deepening humanitarian crisis. Many have long faced barriers to accessing basic needs, including food and healthcare, along with safe housing and employment.

Islamic Relief has been on the ground in Palestine since 1997, responding to urgent needs and helping communities navigate these challenges with dignity. Our presence in Palestine is built on years of commitment, trust, and a deep understanding of the realities on the ground.

As of today, we have made meaningful progress in delivering critical support to Gaza’s most vulnerable populations, despite ongoing uncertainty and tight restrictions. As the situation evolves, our team continues to adapt and scale our efforts to meet the changing needs within Gaza.

Islamic Relief Canada efforts have aimed at improving the living conditions of displaced families and ensuring that both immediate and long-term needs are addressed. We have provided support through:

assistance through daily hot meal distributions, food packages, and fresh produce

Islamic Relief has worked closely with our implementing partners to ensure that aid reaches those most in need. These partners have been instrumental in assisting us to provide the following relief:

Over 71 million ready-toeat meals and 540,000 food and vegetable parcels have been delivered, ensuring that families have access to nutritious food despite the ongoing violence and displacement.

110,000+ individuals

receive clean water daily, delivered through water tanks, which are crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing disease in areas with limited access to safe water.

More than 100,000 children and women have received psychosocial support, offering counseling and recreational activities to help them cope with the trauma they have experienced.

and much more!

These numbers reflect the collective efforts of changemakers like yourself across Islamic Relief offices worldwide, working together to deliver life-saving assistance in Gaza.

Thank You Run for Palestine Changemakers

Your commitment as runners has translated into a real and tangible impact throughout this campaign. Every step taken and every effort made helped generate both critical funds and greater awareness for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Alhamdulillah, we are sincerely thankful for your dedication and belief in this cause.

Your efforts have made a lasting difference, and this campaign would not have been possible without you.

Breakdown of Your Donation in Gaza

Through the combined efforts of all Run for Palestine (RFP) chapters across Canada, your generous donation of $772,099 directly supported individuals in Gaza, helping provide food security, access to clean water, and psychosocial support

Your generosity is making a profound difference, delivering essential aid and offering hope to those who need it most. Together, we are alleviating suffering and bringing much-needed relief.

Food Security

While food remains limited in Gaza, your contributions allow our team on the ground to secure essential items from local markets and suppliers, ensuring they reach the people who need them.

Our partnership with the World Food Program has further strengthened these efforts, giving us additional access to incoming food supplies.

Distributed Food Items

Fresh vegetables and fruits parcels (32 kg parcels):

+ Tomato

+ Potato

+ Cucumber

+ Lemon

+ Onion

+ Pepper

+ Garlic

+ Eggplant

+ Cabbage

+ Fruits

Ready-to-eat parcels and flour bags include:

+ Lentils

+ Oil

+ Salt

+ Tomato paste

+ Rice

$450,000 CAD

Total Donation Amount Allocated to Providing Food Security in Gaza

7,500 Vegetable Packs Delivered through your donation

37,500 Rights-holders Reached through your donation

Psychosocial Support

In Gaza, children and youth continue to carry the weight of ongoing violence, displacement, and loss. The impact on their mental and emotional well-being deepens each day, with limited access to safe spaces or consistent care.

Access to psychosocial support remains a daily need for families. Your support has helped create safe spaces where children can begin to process trauma and regain a sense of stability and connection.

$72,099 CAD

Total Donation Amount for Gaza

Allocated to Psychosocial Support

125 Psychosocial Support Sessions

Provided through your donation

On average, each child takes part in 6 to 12 sessions, with sessions held once per week, depending on their individual needs and their journey toward healing and stability.

Clean Water

In Gaza, hundreds of thousands of people rely on contaminated water sources, and the risks to health have grown even more severe. Cases of dehydration and waterborne diseases, including hepatitis and acute watery diarrhea, particularly among children, continue to rise daily.

Access to safe water remains a daily struggle for families in Gaza. Your support has helped provide clean and safe water to communities where contaminated sources and damaged infrastructure make basic hygiene and access to drinking water a challenge.

$250,000 CAD

Total Donation Amount for Gaza Allocated to Clean Water

60,827+ Rights-holders

Received water daily through your donation, over a period of 15 days

Case Study

Three Miracles Amid the Darkness

In Gaza, where bombardment and displacement have become a part of daily life, Alaa, a 31-year-old mother, faced the unimaginable—expecting triplets while struggling with hunger, fear, and repeated displacement.

Since the crisis began, Alaa and her family have been forced to flee their home multiple times leaving behind everything they owned. Each move brought greater uncertainty. Food was scarce, clean water limited, and access to healthcare almost nonexistent. Weak from malnutrition and constant stress, Alaa feared she would not survive the pregnancy, and that her babies would not survive either.

Through the generosity of our donors, Islamic Relief was able to connect Alaa to life-saving maternal healthcare through our medical programming in Gaza.

Through an Islamic relief-supported facility, Alaa received medical check-ups, vital nutrients, and close monitoring throughout her pregnancy.

In April of 2025, Alaa safely delivered three baby girls through a life-saving caesarean section.

Against all odds, all three babies survived Alhamdullilah.

Alongside emergency medical care, Alaa also received postnatal support and follow-up services, helping her recover and care for her newborns in one of the most difficult environments in the world.

“Without this support, I would not be here,” Alaa said. “And neither would my daughters. This wasn’t just medical care—it was a rescue for four lives.”

Today, Alaa’s daughters are alive. Her family has hope. And she knows she is not alone.

Alaa’s story reflects the life-saving impact of your generosity, lending a hand and offering light in the darkest of times.

Regional Events Overview

Vancouver

Run for Palestine Vancouver brought over 100 people together for a day full of energy. Families, friends, and supporters explored local vendors, enjoyed traditional Palestinian clothing and food, and participated in games and activities. The event created a welcoming space that celebrated culture while grounding the day in a shared commitment to Palestine, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

$604 raised

104 Participants

Calgary

Run for Palestine Calgary brought the community together in an inspirational way, with more than 1,500 runners showing up and raising over $90,000 in partnership with International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF). From the crowds along the route to the people working behind the scenes, Calgary set an example for what a city can achieve when people come together with purpose.

$91,774.44 raised

873 Participants

Fort McMurray

Edmonton

At the Edmonton Run for Palestine, it was inspiring to see both new faces and long-time supporters come together around a shared purpose. The day began with speeches highlighting the realities in Palestine, followed by a guided warm-up to set the tone for the run. After crossing the finish line, participants celebrated with a medal ceremony, a barbecue, and a lively bazaar featuring more than 20 vendors.

$152,633 raised

892 Participants

The Fort McMurray Run for Palestine served as a platform for advocacy and community-building. The post-race program was a highlight, featuring medal presentations for top finishers, followed by a community barbecue, a vendor bazaar, and fresh Palestinian cuisine.

This cultural element took this experience to the next level, offering attendees a chance to celebrate Palestinian heritage alongside the event’s mission.

$27,856.22 raised

200 Participants

Winnipeg

Winnipeg’s Run for Palestine brought hundreds of participants to Assiniboine Park for a day that felt purposeful and engaging. Families and friends explored local vendors, enjoyed food, and joined children’s activities, all while coming together in support of Palestine.

Organized in partnership with the Canadian Palestinian Association of Manitoba, the event showcased the city’s dedication to humanitarian solidarity and left attendees with a strong sense of shared accomplishment.

$18,057.25 raised

384 Participants

Saskatoon

The Run for Palestine Saskatoon brought nearly 200 participants together for its second annual event, creating a day full of energy and solidarity. Runners and walkers of all ages took part, supporting the cause while connecting with one another and raising awareness.

This year’s event marked another step forward for the growing initiative, highlighting the community’s commitment to humanitarian efforts and laying a strong foundation for future events.

$2,603.94 raised

178 Participants

Ottawa

Toronto

Toronto’s Run for Palestine event played an important role in the overall success of the initiative. Through this flagship event, a diverse and passionate community came together united by justice and service. The event raised over $300,000, a significant contribution that will directly support humanitarian programs in Palestine and make a tangible difference in the lives of families facing urgent need.

$381,335 raised 3,545 Participants

Ottawa’s 10th Annual Run for Palestine brought the city together in a powerful show of support. At Hogs Back Park, over a thousand participants ran, walked, and stood united for a cause that matters deeply. Together, $86,000 was raised, providing crucial support for humanitarian programs in Palestine. The turnout, the intention, and the collective commitment made it a day the community can be proud of.

$86,367.72 raised 1,050 Participants

+ London: $5,000 contributed!

Run for Palestine’s Generosity Through the Years

Your unwavering support over the last few years has been nothing short of inspirational. We are sincerely thankful for the Run for Palestine community and all that you make possible.

$96,165.13 $152,733 $27,856 $5,000 $86,368

$2,111 $381,335 $695 $19,835 $772,099

Thank You

Run for Palestine, your commitment has left a lasting mark on the lives of families in Gaza.

Every participant in this campaign has helped deliver hope amid one of the most challenging humanitarian crises of our time.

Thank you for your support. Above all, your efforts have strengthened solidarity across Canada and reminded the world that compassion knows no borders.

We are sincerely grateful for your partnership and trust. As needs in Gaza persist, we look forward to continuing our work together to support recovery, resilience, and long-term wellbeing for those affected.

We could not do it without you, thank you for standing with Gaza.