Muslim women's group prepares food hampers for families finishing Ramadan fast

Members of theCanadian Muslim Women's Institute spent the better part of Saturday preparing dozens of food hampers for hungry adherents of the faith to mark the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.

Yasmin Ali, president of the board of the CMWI, and others packaged 150 hampers with food and "goodies," which will be distributed in the coming days.

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It takes about a month to purchase all of the food, which is bought and paid for by donations from the Muslim community, Ali said.

"It's tremendous. Without that support we wouldn't be able to do it," Ali said, adding the organization purchasedabout $10,000 worth of food this year alone. "We need to have that support, it's critical."

Ali said the initiative is all about strengthening community spirit and welcoming newcomers to the city.

"[It's about] making them feel they have enough on that special day," Ali said. "It's important because it's also a part of our faith to give and to donate to those that need the help. It's really important for us to make sure that nobody goes without."