Around 200 community members, politicians and more gathered on April 28 to celebrate Eid al-Fitr at an event held by the Arab Women’s Society of Guelph (AWSOG).
The event included Arab cuisine, activities for children including balloon artistry and magic shows. There was also a raffle and bazaar to showcase local female vendors.
The Guelph Police distributed gifts to children, and several community supporters were given certificates of appreciation and commendation to acknowledge their dedication to service the community.
“At the core of every festivity lies the rich tapestry of community. Together, we interlace narratives from our shared heritage, each celebration contributing a chapter to humanity's grand saga,” said AWSOG President Sundew Alammi in an email.
“These occasions serve not only to honor special events but also to fortify our connections. During such moments, barriers dissolve, and our diversities serve to enrich the collective fabric,” she said.
Alammi said celebrations like these offer “a profound insight into our common humanity: the capacity to love, to connect, and to cherish the bonds that unite us within a beautiful, diverse, and continually evolving community.”
Notable attendees included MP Lloyd Longfield, MPP Mike Schreiner, Counc. Dominique O’Rourke, Guelph Police Service’s deputy chief Steve Gill and Sgt. Melanie Clark, as well as representatives from the Muslim Society of Guelph, Holy Rosary Church, the U of G and more.
