Baladi News
The Syrian refugee Amal Kanafani was grateful to the Canadian people for helping her and her sick mother, so she wished to return the favor after the death of her mother, and to be an inspiring humanitarian for other refugee women. She engaged in voluntary work and social service for all the nationalities residing in Canada.
Amal Kanafani has offered many opportunities to community members to develop their social skills while dealing with the pressures and challenges they face through dozens of cultural, recreational and social activities.
Justin Trudeau, the Canadian PM, honored her and praise for its humanitarian work in 2015, and was chosen as the best visitor in Canada and a new social ambassador for the Syrian refugees.
Amal Kanafani studied in Damascus until she obtained a bachelor's degree in English literature and an MBA before traveling to the United Arab Emirates to work in the education sector, where she was subjected to a painful incident that made her move to Canada, where her sick mother was.
She began her voluntary work with the help of Syrian refugees in 2013 and with a group of volunteers held weekly meetings to arrange the bringing of Syrians to Canada.
Children of the region (Canadians and refugees) started to call her "Auntie Amal". Hence, she decided to create an association called "Auntie Amal" to provide a host of initiatives, including welcoming and supporting the Syrian refugees in the central Toronto area, and also helping to integrate refugees into the community of St. James, integrating children from adolescence to youth through Hosting a wide range of activities that will help them on The development of cultural awareness and wider participation in Canadian society.
The aim of the Association is to conduct various activities by involving residents of the region, especially those who consider themselves "isolated" with high qualifications, commitment and motivation to support the needs of St. James society.
The association was not limited to Syrian refugees but included all those in need regardless of their religion, sex, color or race.
She said that the association used to devote one day a week to providing healthy meals for the poor and the needy in the Willsley neighborhood, where she lives.
In 2015, Amal found a deserted space, outside her apartment in 200 Willsley Street, so she decided to bring in volunteers to help clean this place and turn it into a beautiful garden.
She said that the idea of the park as an act to remember the spirit of her mother, who died in the same area. After the establishment, the park included a tent, a water fountain, a barbecue area, fruit and vegetables.
Source: Zaman Al-Wasl.