As a trusted charity within the Muslim community in Canada, HCI is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity, recognizing that we are stronger when we unite and work as one. We are honored to have participated in this event, as we continue to work towards our vision of a world without poverty and injustice we are guided by our firm belief that charity starts at home.

The importance of collaboration between organizations of goodwill, including those of different faiths, cannot be overstated. As the oldest protestant church in Edmonton with a historical relationship with Indigenous people, McDougall United Church recognizes the significance of finding ways to participate in activities that can foster reconciliation. Larry Derkach, Chair of the McDougall Church Council, spoke about the importance of this partnership, saying, “Our church’s history and our belief in collaboration make the opportunity to work together with the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC), Human Concern International (HCI), and Bent Arrow especially valuable for McDougall. As we are located in the heart of downtown, the large number of unhoused people – many of whom are Indigenous – are indeed part of the community of this church.”