International Volunteer Day

It is an opportunity to pause and celebrate every volunteer - whatever their role and wherever they serve - for their dedication and love for the Imam, for the Jamat, and for humanity. We know the sacrifices that our volunteers make, personally and professionally, and we offer our deepest appreciation for their devoted service.

 

Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community. They run our Jamatkhanas, support the elderly, assist individuals in crisis, help the newly arrived, coordinate funerals and support grieving families, cook communal meals (when we can have them), provide tutorial help, run youth camps, clean and maintain facilities, offer religious education, provide pastoral services, inspire artistic and other talents, support entrepreneurs, administer and govern boards and portfolios, coordinate community events, offer time and knowledge for global communities, inspire charitable giving, and write nice articles on volunteerism, to name but a few.

 

But our volunteers don’t just look inward. They are part of a deeply-rooted Canadian ethic that places the highest value on service to others. From coast to coast, volunteers strengthen our communities, cities and nation. They serve on boards and committees, mentor peers, organize cultural and recreational activities, provide shelter, counsel youth, coach teams, read to children, and so much more. Volunteers do the work they do because they believe in causes, in equal opportunity, in clean, healthy and safe community spaces, in active living, and simply in helping others. 

 

We know that the ethic of service is one that is an essential tenet of our tradition. It is an ethos that has been fostered and encouraged by the Imam of the Time of the Ismaili Community for centuries. We know that selfless dedication to others, without expectation of reward or recognition, is the ultimate seva. So today, we salute all those who embrace and live these principles every day in their lives, and we commit to continuing this noble tradition for many more to come. Thank you.