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Members of the Beenleigh Stake (diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the local Ahmadiyya Muslim Community recently joined together in a toy drive to help bring smiles to the faces of many less fortunate families in South-East Queensland.
These two religious communities have embraced their commonalities and collected toys that were presented to Sam Ahmat from Uniting Care Queensland for distribution to those in need. Uniting Care is the Uniting Church’s community services network.
Many of the toys were given out at a “Christmas in the Park” event hosted by the Nalingu Gunya Aboriginal and Torres Strait Corporation to benefit disadvantaged children.
Ahsin Waris from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community noted that, "while Muslims don't necessarily celebrate Christmas, we get into the spirit of Christmas and the spirit of giving."
Accompanying Mr Ahmat at the presentation of donations were Aunty Freda Mitchell, Chairperson and Dr Anne Patell-Gray, CEO of Nalingu Gunya Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Corporation.
Aunty Freda remarked numerous times that she was "overwhelmed with the generosity of those who gave."
Mr Ahmat spoke to the gathering, noting "I am deeply moved and honoured to be part of this event.”
During the exchange of gifts, participants took the time to discuss the needs of the children in care. The three organisations – the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Uniting Care and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have worked together in the past and will continue to assist some of the most vulnerable children at Christmas.
President Francis Iva, Stake President of the Beenleigh Stake concluded, "We are always seeking opportunities to love and serve one another in our community and we do that through our actions."
