United We Sew was one of Ismaili CIVIC’s four hands-on initiatives that addressed the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was an opportunity not simply to impact frontline workers, but also an opportunity to engage those that are socially isolated and those that wanted to contribute,” said Shaffina Mohamed, Lead of the national Ismaili Civil Relations portfolio.

Ismaili CIVIC achieved its target of 10,000 face masks four weeks early. When the initiative ended on June 30, Ismailis had donated over 30,000 masks to employees at local hospitals, care homes, food banks, the United Way and other community organizations.

Donating masks to those in need reduced demand for medical-grade face masks, which should be reserved for essential frontline healthcare workers, said Mohamed.

Other Ismaili CIVIC initiatives responding to COVID-19 included the Ramadan Food Bank Drive, Canadian Blood Services Drive and Kids Help Phone partnership. The four initiatives addressed the detrimental effects of the pandemic, including Canada’s urgent need for food, blood, and additional mental health support.

Ismaili CIVIC is a legacy initiative representing the Canadian Jamat’s ongoing commitment to support local communities through time, knowledge, and civic action. It was launched on July 1, 2017, to mark Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee and the 150th anniversary of Canada.

The Canadian Jamat’s commitment to donate one million hours of volunteer service to improve the quality of life of all Canadians was fulfilled on March 21, 2018.

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