On March 20th, the BCHS Foundation proudly hosted our inaugural Iftar Dinner. Iftar is a meal taken by Muslims at sundown to break the daily fast during Ramadan.
Before breaking their daily Ramadan fast, members of the local community were welcomed with remarks by BCHS Foundation Board of Directors Chair Dr. Lee Ferrao; BCHS Interim President & CEO Erin Sleeth; BCHS Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Ruby Latif, BCHS Chief & Medical Director of Emergency Medicine Dr. Somaiah Ahmed; as well as local Imam Abu Norman Tarek.
You can view highlights in the video below:
Dr. Lee Ferrao welcomed attendees to the Iftar, stating that “It is (through) events like this that the BCHS and the Foundation reinforce our core values of awareness in recognizing our community’s diversity, establishing equity and inclusion despite all of our differences, and ensuring a sense of belonging and security within these walls and beyond”. Dr. Ferrao added “What excites me about tonight is that it’s different, it’s a chance to learn, a chance to meet new people, a chance to celebrate our differences and realize our common goals”.
Erin Sleeth noted that “As a lifelong resident of this community I’ve had the privilege to witness the growth and vibrancy of the Muslim Community firsthand . With each new member our organization has flourished and today we proudly count many members of the Muslim Community among our administration, nursing staff, physicians, and leaders”. Sleeth added “The generosity of the Muslim Community knows no bounds. Through financial contributions, volunteerism and unwavering support you have played an integral role in our efforts to foster inclusivity within our spaces. We are always seeking ways to further enhance our engagement with the community whether through employment opportunities, feedback mechanisms, or volunteer initiatives… Your involvement, feedback, and expertise are invaluable as we work towards our shared goal of inclusivity”.
Ruby Latif showcased some of the diversity programs at the BCHS including the Spiritual Care Committee, Patient and Family Advisors program and the recently introduced Halal Menu. Latif underscored the importance of the DEIB programs “to create safe and inclusive spaces, and welcome our community to our organization with open doors”.
On the importance of this event, Dr. Somaiah Ahmed noted “Gathering to break the fast in Ramadan here at my workplace is special. It’s a symbol of representation and it’s an important part of who I am as a person”. Dr. Ahmed added that “Tonight’s event is an opportunity… for us as the hospital, building a connection with our Muslim community, and beginning a new relationship with another layer. I see this as a journey for our Hospital towards more cultural and religious representation… building community with all of our partners regardless of their race, faith, or creed. When we see others as their true selves, as I feel tonight, we can all provide our patients with the best care possible”.
Local community leader Imam Abu Norman Tarek stated that “when Doctors, Nurses, staff, admin, volunteers look after us, especially in our difficult time, we need to be grateful. We need to extend our sincere gratitude to them, and… on behalf of the Muslim Community we really, truly, genuinely extend our sincere gratitude to put this program together. Imam Tarek added “This is the first Iftar event hosted by an institution that is not just a Muslim institution/mosque, and that’s what we have been looking for… Muslim employees and Muslim patients and they would like to see that welcoming place”.
Imam Tarek also presented a new community giving campaign goal. First created in 2018 with the aim of raising $5,000, the campaign has since surpassed $500,000 (including in-kind donations) within just a few years. The campaign, open to all members of the community, has now set a goal of raising $1,ooo,ooo to support the purchase of essential equipment to benefit patient care at the BCHS.
Zakat, the act of charitable giving, is one of the pillars of Islamic belief. Each donation of one’s surplus food or money represents a purification of the soul. Gifts given during this holy month provide an even greater spiritual reward, while also providing a Ramadan blessing to someone less fortunate.
This Ramadan, please consider supporting local healthcare. By making a donation or giving your Zakat to the BCHS Foundation you help purchase critically needed equipment to benefit patient care at the Brant Community Healthcare System.