Support Victims of #QuebecMosque

[Children of the Late Dr. Khaled Belkacemi thank the generous donours of DawaNet's GoFundMe campaign]

YOUR DONATIONS DISBURSED TO FAMILIES OF VICTIMS ON MARCH 18, 2017!

Dear friends,

Assalamu alaikum (Peace be with you)

On Friday, March 17, 2017, members of DawaNet set-out to complete their official second trip to Sainte Foy, Quebec City. Since last meeting with victim families, including injured victims, DawaNet's Canada Zakat team raised over $400,000 in generous funds towards those affected by the Quebec City shooting rampage, which left 6 men killed and 19 injured after a gunman opened fire on January 29, 2017 at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec (CCIQ).

DawaNet’s reunion with the affected families and individuals was memorable, because we had the opportunity to finally distribute the funds collected by all of you caring donours.

Friday, March 17, 2017: Visit to the CCIQ Mosque


Once members of our team touched-down in Quebec City, we first headed to the CCIQ Mosque, where our team met with Mosque staff. Both organizations, DawaNet & CCIQ, engaged in a program to learn about each other’s groups, as well as exchange words on the tragedy.

Despite the attack having occurred just 1 month prior, we were humbled to witness the amount of women, men and children still attending prayers, classes and educational sessions held at the CCIQ. We were pleasantly surprised to see their unwavering sense of hope, strength and positivity following the vicious  attack on their place of worship.

During the presentation, DawaNet offered words of solidarity to CCIQ officials and local leadership, whom also attended the program. We also discussed the unprecedented GoFundMe campaign launched by DawaNet, including our funds dispersal plan for the affected families.

Saturday, March 18, 2017: Visit to Families of Deceased & Injured Victims


The next morning, DawaNet team and Sheikh Daood Butt started their tour of victim family residences with the assistance of CCIQ Mosque interpreters. DawaNet met with the families of: Aboubakr Thabti, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Ibrahima Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Azzedine Soufiane and Abdelkarim Hassane. Each of these families received their portion of the raised funds. Afterward, we visited those critically injured. Both Aymen Derbali and Said El-Amari were seen at the Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus. Also injured, Mohamed Khabar, was visited in his home. Nizar Ghlai and Said Akjour were met Saturday evening at the CCIQ.

These individuals were considered donour recipients based on the severity of their injuries.


Once amassing over $400,000 towards the Quebec City shooting crisis, DawaNet understood its responsibility to distribute the funds both promptly and fairly.

To fulfill the purpose of our campaign, we utilized the assistance of accountants, legal experts, and knowledgeable professionals from charity organizations to decide the overall distribution criteria required to release the large sum.

After much consultation and deliberation, DawaNet divided the funds equally across all affected families. Funds had been distributed regardless of family size, number of dependants, victim or spouse employment. Any similar factors have not affected the overall distribution method.


Here is the breakdown of funds dispersal we executed:

**$41, 143 was disbursed to each of the 6 families of the deceased: Aboubakr Thabti, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Ibrahima Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Azzedine Soufiane and Abdelkarim Hassane

**$41, 143 was disbursed to each of the 2 critically injured victims: Aymen Derbali and Said El-Amari

**$10,286 was disbursed to each of 3 other seriously injured: Mohamed Khabar, Nizar Ghlai and Said Akjour

On Saturday, cheques were given to victim families, as well as to those injured. We were truly not expecting the sheer joy and surprise displayed on the faces of the families once receiving their respective donation.

While they were aware of start-up money being raised for victims of the Quebec City tragedy, their spirits were raised when we explained the generous amount being extended from the campaign.


While wiping away tears, each spouse, including family members, took a few moments to directly and personally thank all of YOU donours. They described their shock, happiness and gratitude for such giving donours who contributed to this cause.

The last event of the day on Saturday: A community event was organized CCIQ at the mosque in the evening where Sheikh Daood Butt and Taha Ghayyur from DawaNet offered spiritual guidance and words of advice to those present.  Members of the CCIQ offered deep gratitude to the generous contributions of approximately 6,000 caring donours.


DawaNet is grateful to the hospitable CCIQ staff for organizing discussion-meetings with Sainte-Foy community members and local leadership on the Friday and Saturday evenings of our trip. We also thank the media for communicating details related to victim stories, testimonials and GoFundMe campaign launch to the wider public.

Mors inportantly, DawaNet would not have been able to facilitate any victim assistance without such incredible donours. You have contributed to a significant campaign that won’t be forgotten by affected families and community members alike. Your contribution also helps preserve victims’ stories, memories and legacy. Due to your generosity, victim families can forego monetary struggle while rebuilding their lives one step at a time.

On behalf of our Toronto-based organization committed to community service, we sincerely thank you!

WATCH Reflections by Shk. Daood Butt after each visit to the families of the victims: CLICK HERE

Check-out biographies of deceased victims: CLICK HERE
 
Contribute to Quebec City Orphan Education Drive: CLICK HERE

Follow Canada Zakat on Facebook: CLICK HERE

Connect with DawaNet: CLICK HERE 


MEDIA COVERAGE OF THIS CAMPAIGN

DawaNet’s visitS to Quebec City also picked up noteworthy media hype from local and national news stations and online journals. These media agencies helped publicize our visit and GoFundMe campaign drive. These reports serve to remind our community that families are still affected and shaken by January’s unfortunate slayings.


ENGLISH

MISSISSAUGA NEWS: Nonprofit donates $400,000 for victims of Quebec City mosque shooting

CTV News: Providing Relief to Families

Globe and Mail: Canadians open wallets for victims of Quebec City mosque massacre

Fox News: Fundraiser for families of Quebec terror attack victims nets more than $160G

CBC: Families of Quebec City mosque victims face financial struggle

MSN: Canadians raise cash for Muslims affected by Quebec mosque terror shooting

Inside Toronto: DawaNet Canada raises close to $200,000 for Quebec mosque attack victims, families

Independent: Canadians raise more that £350,000 for Muslims affected by Quebec mosque terror shooting

CTV News Montreal: More than $330,000 raised for families of mosque shooting victims


FRENCH

Radio Canada: Attentat de Québec : 400 000 $ remis aux familles des victimes

LeSoleil: 402 000 $ pour les familles des victimes de la Grande Mosquée

SaphirNews: Attentat à Québec : près de 300 000 € distribués aux familles des victimes

LeSoleil: Funérailles payées par des donateurs musulmans

Le Huffington Post: Alexandre Champagne demande votre aide pour les «amis musulmans»

Le Journal De Montreal: Le monde entier se mobilise pour les victimes de Québec