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Second annual community Iftar with Surrey RCMP
5-30-2018
For the second year in a row the Surrey RCMP took a bold step, towards building bridges by inviting the members of the local Muslim community for an Iftar Meal on Tuesday May 29th, 2018.
The Surrey RCMP (Diversity Division), with the help of Mr. Sikandar Hayat, organized a wonderful 2nd annual Iftar Dinner at Surrey RCMP Head Quarters in Surrey. It was a great initiative taken by Surrey RCMP. They invited three persons from each mosque and all Muslim organizations in Surrey. One of the great things to notice was the participation from sisters: about 25% of the participants were sisters.
Assistant Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, Officer in Charge of Surrey Detachment, and Superintendent Ed Boettcher, Operations Officer- Surrey Detachment along with the whole unit of the RCMP Diversity Unity welcomed the guests as they arrived. There was plenty of opportunities for members of the community to meet and share ideas with the RCMP Officers present at the event.
Sergeant Raymond Stanford who is part of the Diversity and Community Engagement division said "The purpose of the event was for the RCMP to meet and share a meal with members of the Muslim community, to learn about their culture and traditions and build a trusted relationship between the Surrey RCMP and the community."
Dwayne McDonald, addressed the audience, thanking the Surrey RCMP Diversity Division, for arranging this event. He also thanked the community members for attending the event. He added, “We continue to learn so much from you, we appreciate the openness, and generosity that you have shown us. We can’t be effective as a police force, without the support of the community. You have been by our side, you work with us, strengthening our relationship, between the police and Muslim community”, "You have invited us into your mosques and organizations, you have sat down with us to discuss your concerns and you have shared meals with us. Tonight, it is our honour for us to share this meal with you.”He wished the Muslim community with Happy Ramadan greeting.
Shaykh Abdul Latif Naumani made especial Dua for the wellbeing of the RCMP personnel and all the Muslims around the world. Br. Shahzad Shah made Adhan (call to prayer), and Shaykh Abu AbdusSalam lead the Maghrib Salah. Delicious buffet dinner was served after Salah.
This was indeed a very good gesture on the part of the RCMP, for opening their doors during the blessed month of Ramadan. This may also be one of the most probably the very first such event within the country.
On behalf of the entire Muslim community, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the bold step taken by the Surrey RCMP for trying to build bridges.
We would also like to thank the Surrey RCMP Diversity Division for an immaculate event for such large group.
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