Muslim women give out treats and greetings to dispel Islamophobia in Kitchener-Waterloo

Women are baking and distributing cookies to counter Islamophobia in the Kitchener Waterloo region.

Volunteers and board members of the Coalition of Muslim Women of KW thought the campaign, called “Salaams Canada,” would help dispel anti-Muslim sentiment and help build bridges in the region.

This community campaign is intended to encourage connections between Muslims and the larger community the simple sharing of a homemade cookie and kind sentiment.

This was inspired by a similar campaign that took place in Dartmout NS.

The hope is that by sharing a simple smile, salaam (Salaam is the Arabic word for Peace which is used everyday as greetings by Muslims), and sweet treat, we will be able to continue our efforts as a community to fight Islamophobia and build bridges of communication.

According to the organizers, the goals of this campaign are:
• To meet and connect with members of our community in a fun and easy way by sharing a smile, salaam and token of our appreciation (cookies) at Kitchener City Hall, Rim Park
• To deliver cookies door to door in neighborhoods through KW on Family Day
• To invite the larger community to join the Salams Canada campaign and reach out to their Muslim neighbours with a simple smile, salaam and sweet treat.