Nourishing the Body and Soul of Students During Ramadan
Join Us in Supporting a Nearly 30-year Tradition of Community and Care
For many students, Ramadan is a sacred time of reflection, gratitude, and unity. It’s a month to connect with their faith and cherish moments with family and friends. For Muslim students at Ontario Tech University, Durham College, and Trent University who are far from home, Ramadan can be a time of unique challenges. Long days of fasting, demanding academic schedules, and the absence of familiar meals and traditions can make this holy month feel especially isolating.
For nearly three decades, Dr. A. Yasmeen Siddiqui has been a beacon of support, offering warm meals, community and comfort to students during Ramadan. As a family physician at the Campus Health Centre from 1991 to 2012 and as an immigrant herself, Dr. Siddiqui understands firsthand what it means to be far from family during an important time of faith.
“Ramadan is a sacred month, and it's a family month," Dr. Siddiqui explains. “Yet for many students, coming to university is the first time away from home. They often don’t know anybody and have no idea where to find food to break their fast. By providing nourishing meals during Ramadan, we show these students that they are not alone. We create a sense of belonging.”
What began in 1995 with a few non-perishable items served out of a small room has since grown into a cherished tradition. Today, the program provides hot, nutritious meals to hundreds of students, staff, and visiting scholars. Even during the pandemic, it continued uninterrupted through curbside pickup from Campus Living Centres.
Ramadan 2025: A Growing Community of Care
Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors and volunteers, last year’s Ramadan Meal Program made a profound impact:
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5,700 meals were provided over the 30 days of Ramadan
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245 students were formally registered for the program
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Many staff and faculty members also benefited from the meals
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A high percentage of participants were international students, many experiencing their first Ramadan away from home
The need continues to grow, and so does the program’s importance.
“I have worked hard to bring this program to this level,” says Dr. Siddiqui. “But when you selflessly give and help somebody in need, support comes to you in unprecedented ways. The demand continues to grow, and I need all the help I can get to feed our growing community of Muslim students, faculty, and staff.”
Why Your Support Matters:
Every meal shared is more than food; it is connection, comfort, and community. Your donation ensures:
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Nutritious meals for students observing the fast
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A sense of belonging for those far from home
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Welcoming spaces where no one feels alone during this sacred month
Hear From Our Community
"As a faculty member, I’m proud of Ontario Tech for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment through the Ramadan Meal program. This initiative highlights the university’s commitment to developing meaningful collaborations with community partners and creating a profound impact on its students in ways that benefit them the most. The Ramadan Meal program shows that the university not only acknowledges but actively supports the diverse needs of its community and that Ontario Tech isn’t just a place of learning—it’s a place of belonging!"
- Asifa Aamir, Associate Teaching Professor, Faculty of Business and Information Technology
Student perspective:
“The dinner distribution event during Ramadan was truly a remarkable and heartwarming experience. The organizers put in so much effort to ensure that everyone fasting had access to nutritious and delicious food after a long day. It was beautiful to see students coming together in a spirit of unity and compassion. The food was plentiful and varied, and the volunteers were friendly and attentive. Students were also given Qurans and prayer mats on request. The event not only provided physical sustenance but also served as a reminder of the importance of compassion, values, and community.”
— Vaibhav Mane, International Student
Join Us in Sustaining This Legacy
Your generosity ensures that students feel supported, welcomed, and nourished - body and soul - during one of the most meaningful times of the year.
Let’s make this Ramadan special for all our students. Thank you for your support!
Donate today!
Our commitment is to ensure a sustainable, transparent, and efficient philanthropic program. To help achieve this, 5% of donations to expendable funds, with the exception of student financial support, are used to partially offset the costs of receipting, administering, tracking and distributing funds. Thank you for your support.