Foundation asks Muslims to make a difference at home this Ramadan

(August 14, 2010) – Muslims are being encouraged to be active contributors to Canada by directing a portion of their charitable donations during Ramadan to local projects.

The Olive Tree Foundation has launched its 7th Annual Ramadan Campaign encouraging Muslims to share part of their annual charitable donations with deserving community initiatives within Canada.

”Canadian Muslims can make a significant contribution to our society if we were to direct a portion of our charitable donations annually to projects in this country,” Muhammed Haseeb Ali, Treasurer of the Olive Tree Foundation told Iqra.ca.

The Olive Tree Foundation is a philanthropic foundation that promotes community development through the collection of endowed funds and charitable contributions, to fund services for the long-term benefit of the community.

“The Olive Tree Foundation has distinguished itself, in a quiet and unassuming way, for being one of the most important and forward thinking organisations established in Canada,” says Dr. Kathy Bullock.

Dr. Bullock is the Director of the Tessellate Institute (TTI), a policy institute and think tank.

“Since its founding in 2004, the Olive Tree Foundation has served our community with excellence. They have supported projects that address real needs in our community, of women and girls, of children and education, and of disabled Muslims,” she said.

In six years, donations from the Ramadan Campaign have funded 20 projects, many of which have made a significant contribution to the community’s development.

“These projects would not have been made possible without funding from the Olive Tree Foundation,” Muhammed Haseeb Ali said.

“A foundation is an institution that has been part of the Muslim historical experience and has, in the past, provided for the flourishing of the Muslim contribution to societies,” he added.

Further information on the Foundation can be found at www.olivetreefoundation.ca; and to make a donation click here