Olive Tree Foundation announces $100K grant to support victims of Islamophobia

The Olive Tree Foundation has announced that a grant of $100,000 has been awarded to Edmonton’s Canadian Islamic Centre  (Al Rashid Mosque) for a project that will support victims of Islamophobia.

In the past year, there have been many hate attacks fuelled by Islamophobia on Muslims in Canada. Some of these attacks were violent and have led to the survivors sustaining physical injuries, in addition to being severely traumatised.

More often than not, the survivors of these attacks are left to deal with the physical and psychological trauma of the experience on their own. Between physiotherapy,  counselling and other needs the expenses add up for services that are not covered by provincial health insurance.

This pilot program will support victims of Islamophobic attacks on their journey of healing by providing assistance to survivors who require mental health therapy, physiotherapy, legal counselling and other emergency support.  

"NCCM is proud to work with Olive Tree Foundation and the Al Rashid Mosque to ensure that victims of Islamophobia get the support they need. The time is now to make sure that those who are victimized are cared for," said Faisal Khan Suri, Community Development Officer of NCCM.

"The Olive Tree Foundation is very pleased to fund the Victims Assistance Program,” said Naeem Siddiqi, Vice-Chair of the Olive Tree Foundation, in announcing the grant. "With the rise of Islamophobia and hate incidents, Canadian Muslims, as well as other marginalized and targeted communities, will benefit greatly from this project. Victims of hate attacks must know they are not alone in dealing with their pain."

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

Over the years, the Foundation has distinguished itself for funding many innovative projects and for its governance and transparency. As a result of the returns from the endowments and the funds raised during 2021, the Foundation provided grants to fund worthwhile projects in the priority areas of Anti-racism, Islamophobia and Climate Action.