Ottawa’s Winter Clothing Drive
The Ottawa chapter of Challenging Ismaili Volunteers In Communities (CIVIC) has been organizing a winter clothing drive since 2010 for the Snowsuit Fund, an Ottawa-based charity that collects and distributes snowsuits to needy children, 15 years and under. This year marks the fourth annual “Warm Hearts Winter Drive” in the Ottawa Ismaili Community.
Concerned with the below freezing temperatures, Roshena Moledina decided to organize a Winter Clothing Drive to make sure that kids who do not have sufficient means to stay warm over the winter could rely on another option.
“I'm always cold, no matter the season or the temperature,” said Moledina. “I can't imagine being out in the cold without having the essentials to keep me warm.”
"Being part of a charitable initiative impacting people in the greater community is an excellent way to not only to bring our Jamat together but give us a chance to connect and give directly to the community in which we live."
The event has brought together volunteers of all ages to get involved and support this cause.
The Warm hearts Winter Drive is currently taking place, and will be collecting as many items of winter clothing for youth and adults as possible, including gently used winter jackets, snow pants, snowsuits and winter accessories (toques, gloves, scarves) and boots. This winter’s drive ends January 5, 2014.
Fast Facts
• Did you know CIVIC is an acronym that stands for “Challenging Ismaili Volunteers In Communities” and was introduced as one of the Golden Jubilee youth initiatives in Canada?
• CIVIC is an initiative to engage Jamati youth. It appeals to the social conscience of young Ismailis by inviting them to give back to their local communities through voluntary service.
• Did you know that more than 1100 participants have come together in their respective regions and have contributed over 4400 hours of voluntary service to designated projects!
• CIVIC is a national program implemented across Canada that aims at challenging and engaging youth in activities and volunteering initiatives with local organisations that are external to the Ismaili community. Through experiential learning opportunities, CIVIC allows the youth to contribute to the betterment of the societies in which they live.
• CIVIC was established to unite Ismaili youth with the prospect of delivering a tangible outcome and showcasing the positive impacts to local communities.
• CIVIC enhances the tradition of service by inspiring and motivating youth to formulate a long term plan for volunteerism within the Jamat as well as the broader community