Muslims of Indian origin residing here contributed generously at a fundraising dinner for the rehabilitation of Mumbai flood victims.
More than 400 people attended the event was organised Friday by the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin-Canada (AFMI-Canada), which plans to work in coordination with reputable local NGOs in Mumbai to direct the aid to the victims, said a press release.
Abdul Raheman Nakadar, trustee of AFMI-USA, in his keynote speech, urged the gathering not to ignore the sufferings of the underprivileged in India and said AFMI would work for achieving 100 percent literacy for the Muslim community in India.
He disclosed that an AFMI funded computer lab was completely destroyed by the July-August floods in the slums of Bandra.
Speaking on the occasion, Markham town councillor Khalid Usman said the suffering is the same whether it affects the victims of Hurricane Katrina or those of the Mumbai floods.
"Muslims must not shirk their responsibility of caring for one and all regardless of the national, religious or the other identities of the victims," he said.
The fundraiser drew support from all Indian communities in the Greater Toronto Area - including those from Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and the alumni of Aligarh Muslim University.
Abdul Gaffar Sheikh, president of AFMI-Canada, praised the volunteers involved in promoting the event by visiting mosques, businesses and homes to sell tickets.