Photo © Maylynn Quan
Muslim Children’s Aid and Support Services (MCASS) was born out of necessity more than 20 years ago, at a time when Islamophobia was on the rise, leaving many feeling isolated and powerless.
Determined to change this reality, MCASS was founded to advocate for families, provide essential services, create welcoming spaces for children and parents alike, and foster community building. Today, its mission is more critical than ever.
MCASS works with some of the most marginalized families—newcomers and refugees from all across the globe including Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, and now Gaza—who face challenges like housing insecurity, financial hardship, food insecurity, social and systemic barriers, and mental health struggles to provide culturally integrated, trauma-informed programs.
Ali’s Story: More Than a Soccer Game
Ali was just 10 years old when he arrived in Canada as a Syrian refugee. He had already lived through war and survived a refugee camp, but in his new school, he faced another battle—bullying, racism, and the feeling of not belonging. Ali recalled precious memories and brighter days back home when he played his favourite sport, soccer, with his childhood friend Ahmed. In the hope of reliving those happy times, Ali took his soccer ball to school.
Inspired by Ali’s story, MCASS launched Scarborough Simbas in 2020 with a small grant from the Rotary Club of Toronto. Community support and funding from Canadian Tire Jumpstart, MLSE, and the North Toronto Soccer Club has facilitated the expansion of the program year after year. In its sixth straight year, this summer, Simbas Rising for Better Tomorrows will welcome 160 children, including those recently arriving from Gaza. It’s a safe space where kids can just be kids—free from fear and discrimination. Each session includes soccer drills and scrimmages, life skills training in resilience, inclusion, and teamwork, and after play, kids and families share a meal, fostering lasting friendships.
Sarah’s Story: Healthy Hearts, Healthy Minds
When Sarah, a mother of two, first joined the Healthy Hearts, Healthy Minds culinary training program, she was at her breaking point.
Her family had escaped war. They arrived in Canada with nothing but the trauma of what they left behind. With no job, no local support, and no confidence in her English skills, Sarah felt trapped in her tiny apartment, barely able to afford food for her children. Then, she found MCASS.
In the Healthy Hearts, Healthy Minds program, Sarah joined a group of refugee and newcomer women learning food handling and business skills. Led by MasterChef Canada finalist Reem Ahmed, the program provided hands-on training in traditional cooking methods, food safety, and entrepreneurship.
The women in the class supported each other, sharing their stories, their struggles, and their dreams. They gained independence, earning food-handling certificates and launching home catering businesses, and they found joy in laughing, cooking, and eating together, rediscovering their identities beyond just “survivors.” Now, Sarah no longer feels powerless. She has a skillset, a support network, and a future.
Bringing Ramadan Blessings to Families in Need
Food insecurity is one of the biggest struggles facing MCASS families. During Ramadan—a sacred time for Muslims worldwide, marked by fasting, reflection, and increased devotion to Allah—the burden becomes even heavier. That’s why MCASS organizes a series of initiatives each year, including the delivery of food hampers and Iftar meals and hosting community Iftars in partnership with Humaniti, National Zakat Foundation, Muslim Hands and Penny Appeal, ensuring families can break their fast with dignity.
MCASS is community and volunteer-driven. It does not receive operational funding from any level of government. Every program depends on support from people who believe in building a more inclusive and compassionate world. Whether by donating to help fund critical programs, volunteering to bring them to life, or simply sharing stories like these to spread awareness, you play a key role in transforming lives, one family at a time, and in building stronger and safer communities.
Learn more at muslimchildrensaid.com
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Muslim Children’s Aid & Support Services (MCASS) is an Ontario-based registered non-for-profit corporation established August 2004.