Source/Credit: Bradford Times | Local
By Miriam King | January 13, 2011
"Love for all, hatred for none," is the motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, a muslim community whose members have recently begun to call the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury 'home.'
On January 9, the Community invited members of BWG Town Council and their families to a New Year's Meet & Greet, at the 10th Line home of Abdul Basit Awan - to learn more about the Jama'at, their hopes and plans, and their contributions to the Town.
In addition to several new businesses, and a property on 10 Sideroad, where engineers have erected a small windmill and there are plans to develop a cemetery, the Muslim Community is interested in partnering with the Town to develop a Seniors' Residence, said Mubarak Ahmad. "We'll be happy to donate 5 acres of land for this... whereby we can own, occupy or manage part of it for our seniors, and the City can occupy part of it."
And local members are interested in bringing the "Run for Canada" to Bradford West Gwillimbury. The 10K timed run has become an important fundraiser in Vaughan, where the Run for Vaughan raises donations for a future community hospital. A "Run for BWG", held this summer, could raise funds for the Town's new Library and Cultural Centre.
The Mayor and members of Council thanked community members for their involvement and investment in the Town. "We do have folks that are investing in our community, we have new businesses," said Mayor Doug White, noting that "It's not easy being a muslim, let's face it - there's never been more difficult times to be muslim."
He pointed out the similarities between the approach of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, which promotes peace and loyalty to Country, and the Town of BWG. "Everybody's welcome, everybody has their place, everybody gets along... Tolerance is one thing your community preaches," that is echoed in Canadian society.
Also present at the Meet & Greet were Councillors Raj Sandhu, Gary Lamb, Carl Hordyk, Ron Simpson and James Leduc. Councillor Lamb thanked members of the Ahmadiyya for their support for the Library, and provided a quick update on construction, currently on time and under-budget.
Mayor White shared some of the future plans of the municipality, focussing on the need for economic development and job creation. And, he noted, wherever the Jama'at have settled, "very quickly people realize these are great neighbours to have."
After sharing comments and best wishes for the New Year, members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at and Council shared a meal.
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