Islamic Relief Carleton University (IRCU) is bringing cultures and clubs together throughout November and December to raise money for the Afghanistan emergency appeal.
Clubs including the Yemeni Student Association, Arab Students League, Carleton Afghan Students Association , Azerbaijani Students’ Association and Carleton Lebanese Students Society came together to host “Cups of Culture,” a night filled with cultural exchange and activism at Rooster’s Coffeehouse on Nov. 15.
On Nov. 13, IRCU shared a seven-slide Instagram post from Islamic Relief Canada detailing the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and how students can help.
“Afghanistan faces multiple crises from natural disasters, conflict, poverty, and gender inequality, leading to widespread disease, inadequate healthcare, and food insecurity,” IRCU wrote in the post’s caption.
In 2021, the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan and its government following the United States’ military withdrawal. Since then, resulting economic instability has contributed to poverty, food insecurity and displacement.
“Over 22 million Afghans in severe food insecurity, with over eight million close to facing famine,” the caption stated.
IRCU president Maram Radaideh said she wanted to dedicate a month to the cause, stating she believesone event does not generate enough revenue for relief for the entire country.
“When we [focus on one cause] for one month, we’re able to have at least three to four events,” Radaideh said. “These events are frequent enough to be able to raise enough money that can benefit the country.”
That’s why events like “Cups of Culture” are being hosted by the IRCU as the group aims to expand its reach and collaborate with other associations.
With teas and snacks from around the world, attendees were offered a taste of different cultures while participating in games and conversations about the cause in Afghanistan.
“The audience got to learn more about the [emergency] appeal and why it’s important, why it’s categorized as an emergency appeal, and how you can help,” she said.
Ramzy Ahmed, vice-president internal for the Carleton Afghan Students Association, said it has been “beautiful” to see IRCU host events to help Afghanistan.
“What we need right now is for all of us to be together,” she said. “To see so many different cultures come together and try to raise money for Afghanistan [is] amazing.”
“Collaborations help strengthen the bonds between different communities,” she said. “It brings people together to work for the greater good and raise money for amazing causes.”
On Nov. 22, IRCU collaborated with Carleton’s Egyptian Students’ Association (ESA) to host a movie night.
The Egyptian comedy Molasses was screened at the event with 100 per cent of profits donated to the emergency appeal.
ESA president Memo Mashaly said the associations wanted to put on a movie night not only to support the appeal, but to provide a “calming atmosphere” for students during a stressful time in the semester.
“Everyone is getting stressed for exams, so it’s a perfect event [because you can] come here, chill and watch a movie,” he said. “And it’s for a good cause.”
Mashaly said he also enjoys working with different cultures, and he wants everyone to know they are welcome with ESA and its events.
“You have a community here. You have a family here.”
Radaideh said the IRCU plans to host more events throughout the year in collaboration with even more cultures and associations. She said it’s her mission to bring as many cultures together as possible.
“At Carleton, we are one,” she said. “We have the privilege to be in a university where we can see so many different cultures. Why not learn more about each other, instead of hating each other?”
Featured Image provided by Maram Radaideh.
