THROUGH UZMA'S LENS & JAISHREE'S PEN....
Uzma Irfan is an absolutely dynamic and creative woman who volunteers her valuable time as an Outreach Co-ordinator & Photo-Journalist with Malton Women Council. Through this column, Uzma would be sharing with us the updates from the community events and workshops being attended by her. MWC thanks Uzma for making a genuine effort to bring the information/updates to the computer screens of all those women who are not able to attend these events and workshops.
Jaishree Gupta is another very committed and dedicated core member of Malton Women Council.
Jaishree is blessed with the art of creative writing - and mesmerizes us with her beautiful poetry and event reporting.
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Malton Women Council's 3rd Annual International Women's Day Event (March 29, 2014)
My dear friends,
Aadab, Satsriakal, Hello and Namaste,
Beet Jaaye zindagani,
Milte Milate and Hanste, Hansate!
*MWC's International Women's day celebration on March 29th was truly a DAY OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT. The day was full of 'Surprises' and 'Laughters'. There is so much to write but I am sharing with you some of the
Highlights of the event.
*Anu and Uzma received Awards of Appreciation
from Mrs. Aaloka ji!
**There were 4 raffles prizes
and my co-host Mehwish, Pinder, Madan ji and myself too, were the lucky winner!
***Member speakers received beautiful gift baskets!
****Hats off to our young speakers and performers(ages between 7-10);
***from youth wing our young ladies ,Hunyah and Laraib received 2 free ticket for Royal Ontario Museum.
*****At the end all the children received a gift of appreciation for showing their THE BEST BEHAVIOR! I am SOOOO proud of you my Young Audience!!!!!
My co-host Mehwish and I also received special gifts for behaving nicely on the stage. 
Lastly, I would like to thank our guest speakers Madan Chauhan ji who is a Yoga instructor and Vishal Khanna ji from Sai Dham, for joining us and imparting us with so much information, knowledge and valuable skills to lead a healthy and happy life!!
Hearty thanks to all the families and their friends for joining us, bringing delicious food and being such a fantastic audience.
Many thanks to MCBP for Pizza and to our secret sponsors of Raffle prizes and gifts!
Your Host and dost Jaishree will take your leave now. See you again
.
Malton Women Council's Eid-Deewali-Thanksgiving Celebrations (Oct. 19, 2013)
Report by: Jaishree Gupta
Pictures by: Uzma Irfan
Eve of October 19th, marks another memorable day for the Malton Women Council, as our families gathered at the Four Corners Resource room to celebrate, Thanksgiving, Eid-al-adha and Diwali, to represent how we share a unique bond of togetherness. Despite of heavy pouring, 16 families attended this 'Fabulous Family Fiesta'. Women were shimmering in their gorgeous outfits. Children were in a very joyous mood too.
It was a great pleasure to have Asma Warsi, Editor 'The Ambiton' newspaper, as our special guest. Asma ji sang very beautiful songs in her golden voice. Evening was in full swing. All of us sang and danced on the tunes of more thrilling songs like all time hit 'Duma Dum Mast Kalandar'to share the bliss of the festive season.
Truly speaking, food was the main attraction. It is hard to describe in words, the wide variety of luscious food items our families brought for the evening. There was yummy Cheese Pizza
for children by the courtesy of Malton Community Building Project.
Mehwish's 7 year old daughter, little Nessa caught every one's attention when she talked about the importance of Eid-Al-adha. Akshita talked about the importance of Thanksgiving. I explained that why we celebrate Diwali.
Our youngsters exhibited their great values and mannerism. I am very proud of Eshaan, Shaf, Saad, Wasif, Sahij, Akshita, Jaskeerat and Virsa for their genuine approach and enthusiasm with which they helped out adults, right from the setting up to winding up at the end.
With sweet hugs and warm wishes, families bid adieu to each other as this glamorous evening came to an end.
Acknowledgement: My humble hearty thanks to all the families for their active involvement. Thanks to Aaloka ji for being very instrumental, who empowered each of us with her kind and affectionate personality.
I am very thankful to Baljinder Braich and Jasmeet Sangha for handling the food department with extreme care. I greatly appreciate Anila Shahzad ,Asiya Kahtoon and Assia Kashif for helping out with cleaning up. And all the helping hands those were working behind the scene. Thanks to Uzma Irfan for organizing and capturing every moment of the evening!
Very special thanks to MCBP for providing the pizza and to Four Corners for providing the Resource Room!
Nevertheless, we missed Anu and her family a lot.
And Anu you missed this Rangeen Shaam with Lazeez Dastarkhan (glittering evening with delicious food)!!
Malton Women Council's 3rd Annual International Women's Day Event (March 29, 2014)
My dear friends,
Aadab, Satsriakal, Hello and Namaste,
Beet Jaaye zindagani,
Milte Milate and Hanste, Hansate!
*MWC's International Women's day celebration on March 29th was truly a DAY OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT. The day was full of 'Surprises' and 'Laughters'. There is so much to write but I am sharing with you some of the
Highlights of the event.*Anu and Uzma received Awards of Appreciation
from Mrs. Aaloka ji!**There were 4 raffles prizes
and my co-host Mehwish, Pinder, Madan ji and myself too, were the lucky winner!***Member speakers received beautiful gift baskets!
****Hats off to our young speakers and performers(ages between 7-10);
- Nessa( thoughts about MWC)
- Razab and Fatima(poetry-my mother)
- Anshit and Simar(mind blowing dances), stole our hearts
with their astonishing performances. Thanks to their mothers for encouraging them and supporting them.!
***from youth wing our young ladies ,Hunyah and Laraib received 2 free ticket for Royal Ontario Museum.
*****At the end all the children received a gift of appreciation for showing their THE BEST BEHAVIOR! I am SOOOO proud of you my Young Audience!!!!!
My co-host Mehwish and I also received special gifts for behaving nicely on the stage. Lastly, I would like to thank our guest speakers Madan Chauhan ji who is a Yoga instructor and Vishal Khanna ji from Sai Dham, for joining us and imparting us with so much information, knowledge and valuable skills to lead a healthy and happy life!! Hearty thanks to all the families and their friends for joining us, bringing delicious food and being such a fantastic audience. Many thanks to MCBP for Pizza and to our secret sponsors of Raffle prizes and gifts!
Your Host and dost Jaishree will take your leave now. See you again
.
For more coverage of the event, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/uzma.irfan.3150/media_set?set=a.1436370313269567.1073741895.100006898364597&type=3
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Malton Women Council's Eid-Deewali-Thanksgiving Celebrations (Oct. 19, 2013)
Report by: Jaishree Gupta
Pictures by: Uzma Irfan
Eve of October 19th, marks another memorable day for the Malton Women Council, as our families gathered at the Four Corners Resource room to celebrate, Thanksgiving, Eid-al-adha and Diwali, to represent how we share a unique bond of togetherness. Despite of heavy pouring, 16 families attended this 'Fabulous Family Fiesta'. Women were shimmering in their gorgeous outfits. Children were in a very joyous mood too.
It was a great pleasure to have Asma Warsi, Editor 'The Ambiton' newspaper, as our special guest. Asma ji sang very beautiful songs in her golden voice. Evening was in full swing. All of us sang and danced on the tunes of more thrilling songs like all time hit 'Duma Dum Mast Kalandar'to share the bliss of the festive season.
Truly speaking, food was the main attraction. It is hard to describe in words, the wide variety of luscious food items our families brought for the evening. There was yummy Cheese Pizza
for children by the courtesy of Malton Community Building Project.Mehwish's 7 year old daughter, little Nessa caught every one's attention when she talked about the importance of Eid-Al-adha. Akshita talked about the importance of Thanksgiving. I explained that why we celebrate Diwali.
Our youngsters exhibited their great values and mannerism. I am very proud of Eshaan, Shaf, Saad, Wasif, Sahij, Akshita, Jaskeerat and Virsa for their genuine approach and enthusiasm with which they helped out adults, right from the setting up to winding up at the end.
With sweet hugs and warm wishes, families bid adieu to each other as this glamorous evening came to an end.
Acknowledgement: My humble hearty thanks to all the families for their active involvement. Thanks to Aaloka ji for being very instrumental, who empowered each of us with her kind and affectionate personality.
I am very thankful to Baljinder Braich and Jasmeet Sangha for handling the food department with extreme care. I greatly appreciate Anila Shahzad ,Asiya Kahtoon and Assia Kashif for helping out with cleaning up. And all the helping hands those were working behind the scene. Thanks to Uzma Irfan for organizing and capturing every moment of the evening!
Very special thanks to MCBP for providing the pizza and to Four Corners for providing the Resource Room!
Nevertheless, we missed Anu and her family a lot.
And Anu you missed this Rangeen Shaam with Lazeez Dastarkhan (glittering evening with delicious food)!!
_________________________________________
Haider Ali - The Truck Artist
Mr. Haider Ali grew up in Karachi, Pakistan in a family which has been in the business of truck painting for the last six decades. Being a descendant from an artists’ family, the colors of rainbow were in his blood stream. His parents didn’t want his involvement in this business so he secretly learned the art of painting from other passionate truck artists.
Now not only does he own a workshop in Garden Town, Karachi but he also decorates cargo trucks. His passion towards innovative painting urges him to paint traditional items which are not only usable but also fascinate drivers and everyone who has an eye for colors. These items include bowls, plates, kettles and miniature decorative crafts.
Haider Ali is determined to introduce Pakistani truck art around the world. He has taken the responsibility to give this art the deserved recognition. In this regards Haider Ali has travelled to United States, England, Turkey and India and has mesmerized the world with his talent. His work has been exhibited at the museum of Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. He also painted a truck for a special Truck Art exhibition at Luton’s Stockwood Discovery Centre in England.
He proudly represented Pakistan recently in RUNG, the South Asian Heritage Day at the Royal Ontario Museum and now he is going to be an integral part of Pakistani Pavilion at Carassauga and will demonstrate his talent over there.
For more information please visit
https://www.facebook.com/
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Media Launch of Annual Impact of Family Violence Conference (April 11th 2013)
Today I attended Media Launch of the 3rd Annual Impact of Family Violence Conference at Peel Police Headquarters.
Social Services Network in partnership with the Peel Regional Police and with the collaboration of York Regional Police, Toronto Police Services’ Community Mobilization Unit and Durham Regional Police Service, India Rainbow Centre, Peel and York Region Children Aid Society, United Way of Peel Region, Peel and York District School boards invited media for the 3rd Annual Family Violence Conference, Impact of Family Violence-a South Asian Perspective.
The conference will provide a Community Forum to those who are exposed and have experienced Family Violence. It will be a two day conference on May 1st and 2nd 2013 at Sheridan College, Davis Campus.
“The aim of this conference is to bring together the diverse South Asian communities with all the key sectors involved in violence prevention and response, to identify the kinds of programs, sector-specific training and public education campaigns that will be needed in order to develop and deliver an effective community development strategy for addressing the various manifestations of violence that is occurring in South Asian families”.
It was really an amazing experience to be a part of a Media Launch. Following is the list of guest speakers:
Naushad Hirji-Board Chair-Social Services Network
Deputy Chief Chris McCord-Peel Regional Police
Richard Finch-Dean Sheridan College
Illmana Fasih-Unitedway of Peel
Honourable Bal Ghosal- Minister of Sport, MP for Bramalea-Gore-Malton
Poonum Patel-Community Settlement Youth Worker-India Rainbow Community Services
Rev Bains-ED Peel Children Aid Society
Rabia Khedr-ED CAM-D-Canadian Association of Muslims with Disabilities
Zul Kassamali-Vice-Chair-Toronto Police South Asian Committee
Naila Butt- ED Social Services Network, Supervisor Diversity ond outreach CAS York Region
Mr. Zul shared his view that why we felt the need this conference. He further mentioned the importance, need and support of three levels of government to eradicate the family violence. I was really impressed by the very strong words of Rabia Khedr regarding Muslim women. She indicated that the person with any sort of disability in the family is the most targeted one. Issues like Elderly abuse and children exposure to violent atmosphere were also addressed by the speakers.
The registration is required for the conference. For more information contact Meccana Ali, mali@socialservicesnetwork.org
Pakistan Day Celebrations
Malton Women Council celebrated 73rd Pakistan Day with over 400 guests at Canadian Pakistan Friendship Association fundraising dinner. The celebration was unique in a way because the Executive Director Mr. Nasir Chatha made every possible effort to celebrate Pakistan Day in a diverse and multicultural way.
Ms. Aaloka, Dr. Kumar, Shawn, Hunyah and I represented MWC. Hon. Bal Gosal Minister of state for sports, Mian Gul Akbar Zeb Gul High Commissioner of Pakistan in Ottawa, Mr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria Consul General of Pakistan in Toronto Mr. Jagmeet Singh , MPP; Ms. Depika Damrela, MPP; Ms. Depika Damrela, MPP; Mr. Wladyslaw Lizon, MP; Mr.Ron Starr, Councillor ward 5; Chief of Police Jennifer Evans, Mr.Colin Best Regional Councillor along with community leaders Mr. Dil Mohammad and Peter Bhatti were also there.
“The strangers we meet and the friends we make
will help us when we fall down or don’t want to wake
so look to those around you and not what you hold
because friendship is worth its weight in gold”
will help us when we fall down or don’t want to wake
so look to those around you and not what you hold
because friendship is worth its weight in gold”
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Mayor Hazel McCallion's New Year Leeve - Jan. 1st 2013
This New Year brought newness in my life. New Year’s Levee was a new experience for me and I found out that the Mayor of Mississauga, Her Worship Hazel McCallion has been celebrating this 18th century tradition for the past three decades.
After the national anthem, the Mayor delivered her New Year's message to the attendees. She said that she is determined to make the city safe as well as clean before the end of her tenure in 2014.
The Mayor McCallion along with Councillors Ron Starr, Jim Tovey, Bonnie Crombie and Frank Dale were happy to meet and greet hundreds of residents who came to wish them New Year wishes. Attendees were provided a slice of pizza and some of them joined the Mayor in skating rink.
Throughout the month, I attended other New Year Levees around the city hosted by Honorable Bob Delaney-MPP Streetville, Brad Butt- MP Streetville and Councillor Bonnie Crombie respectively. I realized that it is not only a good place for socializing and networking but also to get a better and personal connection with your chosen government representatives. We should attend these kinds of parties to show our solidarity. I would like to thank Heartland Creditview Neighbourhood Centre for providing me this opportunity to take us to these New Year Levees through my lens…..
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Helene Burrowes and Clem Burrowes Honoured with Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Award
Dec. 13th 2012
On Dec 13th, Malton Community Centre was filled with beautiful smiles, cheerful acknowledgments, appreciative gratitude, sincere wishes and just true love was in the air!!!
MPP Jagmeet Singh and Councillor Bonnie Crombie surprised everyone by announcing the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Award recipients, Clem and Helene Burrowes. The hall applauded with joy as it was really a very well deserved award. Helene was expecting some kind of appreciation from the City but our Councillor surprised her. I was honoured to be a part of this ceremony where the 'Burrowes Duo' was recognized for their tireless volunteer work which spans almost four decades.
Today I am running short of words in expressing the noble deeds which have been done by the “Wonder Duo”. Councillor Bonnie Crombie described Helene as “the unofficial Mayor of Malton” and appreciated Burrowes' for being omnipresent in Malton. On behalf of Legislative Assembly, MPP Jagmeet Singh, recognized Helene’s selfless devotion towards the community.Ward 5 Trustee Rick Williams, a friend of Helene and Clem for the past 30 years, acknowledged their immeasurable community involvement; their proud son Michael (who surprised them by driving down straight from Ottawa) was inspired by their commitment towards the community; Joyous Temple from MNS shared that the couple are not only volunteers but they also contribute their expertise in various areas and French language is one of it.
Pearl Mark, a long standing friend of Helene from Malton Black Development Association, shared that Helene’s strong will of volunteerism was worth seeing even when she was in hospital. James Harris, a very special friend, representing Faith Alive Christian Centre, commended how Helene organized and managed everything by herself at their Food Bank; Cherice Wilson, from Ryson, known as “star” - a former Rotary Interact ( Lincoln Alexander High School) acknowledged Helene and Clem's contribution to her life as well as to the Malton Community; Hyacinth Harper, wife of Pastor Harper, long-time friend of Burrowes', from Mount Zion Apostolic Church and the Mount Zion Food Bank, congratulated them on their well deserving award. Lynne Mack, Past President of Mississauga Airport Rotary Club and a close friend of Helene appreciated the way Helene energized everyone to do their best. Dianne Doghlas, a loving friend of Helene and the chair of Malton Community Festival admitted that Malton Festival couldn’t be happening again if Helene wasn’t involved in it.
Glenn Crawford, Assistant District Governor of Rotary International and a close friend of Burrowes', praised their determination and thanked the way they push out leadership within the community. Wendel Feres, old friend of Helene, represented Abu-Talib Shrine and Eureka Masonic Lodge and commented on how instrumental Helene is in the community. James from Germany, Russ Pulley from the City of Mississauga; Dolores Parker from the Holy Cross Elementary School Breakfast Club and the Concerned Citizens of Malton; Christine Givens from the Parent Council of Holy Cross Elementary School and Harbans Singh Bansal from Guru Nanak Community Services Foundation were amongst those who shared this blissful moment.
I thought that Helene was always there for me to pat my back, to guide me but now I realise that every loving heart is her domain. She is the one behind all of us. On behalf of Malton Women Council I would like to congratulate Clem and Helene and I echo Dianne’s words that “Helene I am blessed to have you in my life”.
(From L to R): Helene and Clem's son Michael, MPP Jagmeet Singh, Helene Burrowes, Clem Burrowes,Ward 5 Councillor Bonnie Crombie and Ward 5 Trustee Rick Williams
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Heartland Creditview Neighbourhood Centre's 2nd AGM - November 25th 2012
I am so proud that Malton Gidha group performed extremely well with high spirits at the 2nd AGM and Fundraising Dinner of Heartland Credit view Neighbourhood Centre, on Nov25. The program started with recitation of The Holy Quran by a young boy, Wafiq Syed.The function followed by the National Anthem, our youth wing (Hunyah, Kamaldeep and Virsa) accompanied the the host Mr.Bashir Khan. AGM Business session began right after that. Mr. Gul Nawaz presided the meeting whereas Mr. Sultan Qureshi chaired it.
After that session, a graceful performance was conducted by the Art Group of Xin TianDi Seniors Association of Mississauga. The dance described how wonderfully people feel when they enjoy the flowers blooming beautifully in the garden under the mesmerizing moonlight. The dance Is known as Blooming Flowers and the Full Moon. After the dance, an officer from the Peel Police, the honourable guest speakers, Ron Starr Councilor Ward 6, Hon.Charles Sousa, MPP and former Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Hon Brad Butt, Member of Parliament from Streetville, Representative of Mayor Hazel McCallion and Consular General of Pakistan, Mr. Imran Ali shared their views about diversity of cultures, importance of ethnicity and multi faiths. They all acknowledged the endeavours of Mr. Nasir Chatha, the Executive Director of HCNC who strives for nothing but the best. These dignitaries handed out Appreciation Awards to those who rightly deserve these awards and our loving friend, Russ Pooley was one of them.
After the award ceremony, we had our famous Giddha dance and I really salute all ladies who despite of the technical difficulties, performed extremely well. Our junior artists Sukhmani and Pharabhdeep performed with a great coordination. Navneet and Jasleen shared some hip hop culture with the audience and choreographed it with extreme harmony. The Chinese Art Group had another vibrant performance. Their coordinator, Jessica Huang explained that the dance,"The Grapes at Tulufan are Ripe", was a love story. The average age of these performers was 64 years.
After that session, a graceful performance was conducted by the Art Group of Xin TianDi Seniors Association of Mississauga. The dance described how wonderfully people feel when they enjoy the flowers blooming beautifully in the garden under the mesmerizing moonlight. The dance Is known as Blooming Flowers and the Full Moon. After the dance, an officer from the Peel Police, the honourable guest speakers, Ron Starr Councilor Ward 6, Hon.Charles Sousa, MPP and former Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Hon Brad Butt, Member of Parliament from Streetville, Representative of Mayor Hazel McCallion and Consular General of Pakistan, Mr. Imran Ali shared their views about diversity of cultures, importance of ethnicity and multi faiths. They all acknowledged the endeavours of Mr. Nasir Chatha, the Executive Director of HCNC who strives for nothing but the best. These dignitaries handed out Appreciation Awards to those who rightly deserve these awards and our loving friend, Russ Pooley was one of them.
After the award ceremony, we had our famous Giddha dance and I really salute all ladies who despite of the technical difficulties, performed extremely well. Our junior artists Sukhmani and Pharabhdeep performed with a great coordination. Navneet and Jasleen shared some hip hop culture with the audience and choreographed it with extreme harmony. The Chinese Art Group had another vibrant performance. Their coordinator, Jessica Huang explained that the dance,"The Grapes at Tulufan are Ripe", was a love story. The average age of these performers was 64 years.
After entertainment, dinner was served which consisted of a good combination of veg and non veg items. The ceremony came to an end by the concluding remarks of Mr. Ahsan Qureshi who appreciated the commitment of volunteers and thanked all of them.
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Crime Prevention Conference - November 9th 2012
November 09,2012 was really a day to remember. I was at the University of Toronto, Mississauga to attend the Crime Prevention Conference 2012 where people diverse background like police, government officials, crime stoppers and students gathered and shared their views about crime prevention. Six awards were presented to Mississauga residents, in this conference who made extra ordinary contributions to stop crime in their communities.The recipients are as follows:
Mr. Larry Camejo, received The Mayor Hazel McCallion Award. This award was given to him for his commitment to prevent crime in Mississauga by giving personal safety training course, Women's Empowerment and Protection Network (WEPN) and I feel proud to share with you that soon we will have this training in MWC.
The Bell Canada Award was awarded to a young man from Sheridan College, Sheshand Singh, who was instrumental in finding ways among his peers to prevent crime in the community.
The Chief Mike Metcalf Award was given to Constable Jessica Innes who made extra ordinary efforts to sweep out graffiti from her community by conducting Operation Clean Sweep.
The Ron Lenyk Award was received by Frank Christo who volunteered his time to reduce car theft in his community. He also arranged Neighbour's Night out so that people could come together as a strong neighbourhood and socialize with each other.
The Harold G. Shipp Award was presented to Century Audio Visual business company for their contribution in crime prevention. Mr.Colin Tyler was the recipient of this award.
The Ignat "Iggy" Kaneff Award was awarded to our RRI Team who took the crime prevention initiative in the community. Shawn McCullough and Jerome Morgan received the award on behalf of their proud team.
The conference preceded by Remembrance Day Ceremony, presented by UTM. A two minute silence was observed at 11o'clock and in those two minutes I prayed that may our community, city, country and world become a crime free and war free planet where no life goes wasted and where no collateral damage occurs.
Soon after, a lavish lunch was served and then afternoon sessions like A Neighbourhood Approach to Understanding Crime in Peel Region, CEPT in Mississauga:20 Years Later, Social Media for Success and Safety, Understanding the Use of Economic Evaluations, The Truth About Youth, Re-Examining the Criminal Justice Response to Intimate Partner Violence, began. As always I am trying to take you in the conference through my lens.
