This year our chapter has been involved in numerous activities. These activities have included not only our Muslim community but also the community at large. We attended churches, synagogues, and temples for various events. We also invited people of different faiths to our mosque in order to promote good relations and understanding, but most importantly to create awareness among non-Muslims about what Islam truly stands for. We are working towards countering some the misguided ideas about Islam that are held by some members of the public.

In an effort to provide a helping hand to newcomers to Canada, we have been working with the Multicultural Network of Niagara Falls. This help includes the translation of different languages to English, assisting with cultural transition, providing transportation for such needs as doctors' appointments, searching for accommodation, assisting in obtaining gently used furniture, and other household items, etc.

Our "After Jum'a Lunch Program" has reached its tenth year. Over this past year we have donated a substantial amount of money towards the upkeep of the mosque. This program has remained the main source of income for the Niagara Mosque. After many years of hard work and dedication we have been successful in getting the whole community involved in this program.

With the help of the generous donations of the community, we are continuing to send the nonperishable food items to various food banks in the Niagara Region.

Preparations are under way to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Islamic Society of Niagara Peninsula, which will be help on October 18, 2003. Our members are playing a major role in organizing this great event.

The Islamic Society of Niagara Peninsula is one of the few Islamic communities where women do not complain of being treated unfairly. Three of our sisters are presently serving on the Board and the sisters in the community as a whole are the backbone of the society.

Hasna Tayab

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