Oakville residents converged at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre on Friday night for an Interfaith dinner, organized by Dr. Farkhanda Shamim, representing Inclusive Oakville.
Although Inclusive Oakville is not formally registered yet, they aspire to host more events fostering inclusivity and mutual understanding among Oakville residents.
Made possible by a Community Activation Grant from the Town of Oakville, the event drew approximately 140 attendees from diverse faith backgrounds, gathering to share in the evening meal together as part of the Ramadan tradition of iftar, marking the end of the daily fast with dates and water.
The evening commenced with a lively reception featuring activities like Henna, Arabic Calligraphy, Face Painting, and Nasheed performances.
The program included spiritual elements such as Talawat led by Shaykh Dr. Abdullah Raja, alongside speeches from community leaders.
Gillian Federico, Chair of the Interfaith Council of Halton, and representatives from organizations including the Oakville Community Foundation and Black Mentorship Inc., delivered messages emphasizing empathy, community cohesion, and diversity.
Evangeline Chima, Founder of Black Mentorship Inc., urged attendees to cultivate empathy, stating, “When you see somebody that doesn’t look like you, that doesn’t practice your faith, have empathy.”
Wendy Rinella, CEO of Oakville Community Foundation, addressed the audience, expressing gratitude for the community’s unity and envisioning a future of inclusivity and togetherness.
“I’m so grateful to be here, to celebrate this community, as well as every other community here,” Rinella remarked.
Following the speeches, attendees joined in prayer before partaking in dinner to break their fast at sundown.