Calgary Ismaili Muslim community celebrates Global Ismaili Civic Day

Ismaili Muslims in Calgary and around the world are taking part in community service initiatives as part of Global Ismaili Civic Day.

Volunteers in Calgary started the day by pulling invasive weeds in Douglasbank Park.

Fourteen-year-old Ziyan Nanji is volunteering for the first time.

“Part of our heritage is to volunteer and bring back to the community,” her said.

“It’s a global day, so throughout the 21 countries in which we work, we have many events occurring from marine conservation projects to tree planting and community clean-ups, and we have thousands of volunteers around the world participating in this,” said Anser Bassaria who’s also a volunteer.

The Provincial Minister of Environment and Parks, Whitney Issik, recognizes the work of Ismaili CIVIC Canada, including their focus for this year’s event, which is environmental stewardship.

“Being aware today, we’re looking after some invasive species on the landscape and I think it’s really important for people to remember you know we do have invasive species and each one of us can do something to help out on that front,” said Issik.

Over 100 volunteers are working around the city, including recycling, sorting, and meal preparation at the Calgary Drop-In Centre.

“It can be really beneficial for our community society and even get bigger for global changes that could happen, so I think it’s really important starting to do it at a young age, so you can understand why it’s important and what are all the benefits that come with it,” said Ziyan.

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Organizers at this event also note the significance of 2022, as it marks 50 years since the establishment of the Ismaili Muslim community in Canada.

“Due to some political unrest in East Africa, the Ismaili Muslim community left East Africa and arrived in Canada,” said Munira Jessa, a volunteer. “Canada welcomed them very warmly and since then, the Ismaili Muslim community [has] been joined by groups of individuals from around the world, including Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Europe, and America.”