OIL is proud of our programs and outreach. For over 20 years we have tried to make a difference within the Muslim community and beyond. So we love it when our supporters and stakeholders share their thoughts and gratitude for our efforts. Of course, we couldn’t do any of it without them, nor without you.
Helping to settle a Syrian family in Canada was a rewarding experience, right from the time we greeted the family at the airport in February until the end of that year. Despite the language barriers we came to know each other well. The children were a delight and the parents were inspirational in the way they handled each challenge with cheerfulness. Throughout the process we also learned new facts about civic resources and systems that exist to help families in need. It made us appreciate our city and country much more. Everyone should take the opportunity to participate in volunteering opportunities like this.
– Shabbir Jaffer
Project Hope brought three families to Canada and OIL helped them settle down. So many volunteers played a part and I know it has brought joy to everyone to see the families adapt and thrive. One of the our Syrian-Canadian brothers is on his way to become a professional engineer. He has a job and bought a condo. The children of our families are enjoying school and have become fluent in English. A few of the younger ones have joined a Muslim soccer league and are loving it, while some of the older children are now working. Reports confirm that volunteering keeps us young and healthy. This certainly bears out for me. I would like to thank OIL and the organizers of Project Hope for providing me with this opportunity to contribute, and I hope to do more once we are on the other side of this pandemic.
— Huneid Vakharia