One of the holiest days on the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha, has been celebrated with the donation of thousands of hampers of essential products to organisations and families supporting at risk young people.
Volunteers from the M.T.O. School of Islamic Sufism* distributed thousands of hampers across Western Sydney, making a special presentation to the Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation in Emerton.
Speaking on behalf of M.T.O. School of Islamic Sufism, Pegah Hadisadegh said, "This year, due to the COVID 19 pandemic, Muslims were not able to observe the Hajj pilgrimage or celebrate Eid al-Adha in many of the traditional ways.
"With this in mind, we are celebrating Eid al-Adha by bringing hope and empowerment to young people by donating essential products and personal protection equipment to organisations, schools and families, not only here in Western Sydney, but in 35 cities around the world."
The presentation began with a traditional Smoking Ceremony conducted by Uncle Wes Marne.
Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation director, Aunty Jenny Ebsworth said, "Baabayn is all about community. Our organisation wouldn't be strong without community supporting us. We survive by making everyone welcome and showing respect and care for each other."
"Thank you MTO for your wonderful donations. We share a common aim of providing crucial support, connection and assistance for our young people."
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM was special guest at the Baabayn Centre for the celebration.
"This pandemic has seen many of us change the way we mark important occasions and connect with others, and it is wonderful to see MTO use this time as an opportunity to give back," Mayor Bleasdale said.
"These two groups represent different cultural backgrounds but they definitely share a common purpose of providing hope, support and empowerment for our youth during these difficult times."
M.T.O. also delivered donations of essential items to other local organisations including Marist 180 in Blacktown, The Shed in Emerton, and Blacktown Women's and Girl's Health Centre.
(Photo: from left) Fatan Tabatabaei, Uncle Wes Marne, Aunty Daisy Barker, Neda Tolouee, Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, Fazeela Rahmat and Aunty Jenny Ebsworth with some of the donated hampers.
*Maktab Tarighat Oveyssi Shahmaghsoudi Inc. (M.T.O.) School of Islamic Sufism, is an international non-profit organization with centres spanning six continents. In Sydney, the School's activities include a range of community, charitable, and learning initiatives such as interfaith efforts, disaster response, youth mentorship and support, Sufi meditation, psychology and arts and culture.
