Strong Together Fund
Strong Together Fund
Building a community where hate has no place
On June 6, 2021 London witnessed firsthand what racist action looks like at its most extreme as four members of the Afzaal family were killed in a tragic and violent act of Islamophobia.
In response, LCF established the Strong Together Fund, dedicated to healing and nurturing an inclusive hate-free community. In short order, $237,029 was raised in support of London’s diverse Muslim communities.
“The outpouring of support from our community and from across the country was incredible – especially in the wake of such a violent and stark reminder of the divisions that still exist in our city,” says Martha Powell, LCF’s President & CEO. “We wanted to let London’s Muslim communities know that we hear them, and we care about them.”
LCF turned to the London Muslim Mosque and the Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration (MRCSSI) for guidance and direction on allocating the funds. Safety and mental wellness were identified as major concerns.
“We have heard from community members that they are concerned about attending mosque programming, or even sending their children to school in the wake of the awful act committed on June 6,” says Nader Abdelmajed, Operations Manager at the London Islamic School. “London Muslim Mosque and the Muslim community at large are so grateful for LCF and their donors for this generous grant – and for being there when we needed them.”
To help restore a sense of safety to congregants and community members, the London Muslim Mosque was granted $114,825.52 to install new fences, gates and improved security systems at the Mosque and Islamic School.
And while the Mosque ensures that London’s Muslim communities have a safe space to learn and pray, MRCSSI was granted $122,203.48 to develop workshops and training programs to help combat Islamophobia in our community.
“We are taking action to address Islamophobia and respond to the realities of racial trauma, which affects all members of the Muslim community in profound ways,” says Sahar Atalla, Manager of Client Services & Support Programs, MRCSSI. “Our aspiration is to foster healing in our community and continue working together with community members and partners to challenge all forms of hate and harm.”
To all who donated to the Strong Together Fund – thank you. Your commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming community for all is truly inspiring.
