The Dawoodi Bohra Muslim Community volunteers in Sydney and Canberra as part of their registered charity trust called Hakimi Trust conducted  a major Christmas Appeal drive in collaboration with The Salvation Army in Sydney and Karinya House in Canberra to assist and support families in tough times by collecting toys, clothes, electronics, gift cards, non perishable food items and Cash.

The Trust had organised a Christmas Drive Appeal in partnership with The Salvation Army, where they requested members of the Dawoodi Bohra community, and other communities to come forward and donate non – perishable foods, toys, games, clothes. The drop – off locations for this drive was organised at the houses of volunteers in suburbs namely Castle Hill, Auburn, and Newington.

In a short span of time the volunteers garnered support from communities through word of mouth, “We received stationery, clothes, toys, games, food boxes, and even monetary donations, been converted to buy goodies for kids. This has been our first, and the generosity has exceeded beyond our expectations,” says volunteer Murtaza Poonawala.

Cars filled to the brim, the volunteers made their way to the Salvation Army Dural Family Store on a cold rainy  morning. Loading up tables with all the donation, there was a sense of hope, and gratitude amongst the people present there

Major Karen Flemming, Dural Salvation Army Officer (pastor) says, “I was very excited when I received a call from a Hozefa (volunteer of Hakimi Trust) for their Christmas Drive Appeal, we rely on food and donations from communities. This was a good connection of the Hakimi Trust to come together to support the Salvation Army.”

The food donated will be part of Christmas hampers, and will also be given to community food banks. Toys, and gifts will be available at the Family store, wherein families can come and take their pick, as and when they contact the Salvation Army office.

Major Flemming shared a few statistics :

3 million Australians contacted the Salvation Army this Christmas period as they were unable to pay their power bills, grocery bills and more.

1 in 4 adults experiencing anxiety.

2 million adults experiencing social isolation compared to last Christmas.

6 million Australians can afford whatever they can.

“I enjoyed seeing the passion of the volunteers of the Dawoodi Bohra community in making a difference to the community, they have been very generous,” says Major Flemming.

She further emphasised that the Salvation Army is for all nations, irrespective of their backgrounds, or walk of life.

“We spoke about HOPE and what these donations would mean to people. Many people live in difficult times, facing the harsh realities of life. What we did, gives them HOPE and they hang on to what they have and carry on with their lives. We thank you for that.

It was an honor to meet Pam who has worked 10 years in Africa and 2 years in Lahore (Pakistan) in her distinguished career at the Salvation Army. An inspiration to us all.

Today we as Hakimi Trust sleep in contentment and self satisfaction that we helped and we made a difference,” Murtaza J Poonawala added.