Montrealers gather to wrap gifts for kids in need for Eid al-Fitr

In celebration of Eid al-Fitr, the biggest celebration for Muslims, the Community Engagement Project (CEP) a non-profit organization in Montreal, is donating more than 100 gifts and toys for kids in need, hoping to share joy and brighten their day during this special occasion.

“Eid by itself is all about celebration and it is something that is so memorable when we were young and in our youth period, so we wanted to keep that event for them as special as it was for us,” said Sourour Harfouch, a co-founder and executive director at Community Engagement Project.

“We thought about the children, in social-economic difficulties who may not celebrate Eid as happily as much as other people have, so this is like our way to give back to the community and give joy to them throughout this special day of Eid.”

Volunteers gathered at the refugee center in downtown Montreal on Saturday to wrap gifts and write Eid messages and wishes to children, they said knowing how impactful this project will be on kids in need, motivated them to be a part of it.

“I just thought it was a great cause, I thought it was gratifying to do some volunteering and I just wanted to bring joy to people’s day,” explained Naomie Joseph, a volunteer at CEP.

Another volunteer, Fatima Mrah saying “It’s important for me to bring joy to people, I think we take so many things for granted in life, and knowing that I am helping other children makes me feel good.”