A homemade meal prepared before sunrise has turned into a heartfelt act of generosity for some of Moose Jaw’s most vulnerable residents.

Hanan Tahlo, originally from Syria, recently marked the beginning of Ramadan by cooking and donating traditional Syrian wraps to guests at Hope Ministries Moose Jaw Inc., offering not only nourishment but a glimpse into her culture.

The donation came together through a collaboration with the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council (MJMC), where Tahlo first connected as a newcomer client.

“She has a very particular history with us because she was first a client — we received her here and provided services — and over the last year she became an employee too,” said Gaby Carmona, community connections co-ordinator with MJMC.

Tahlo and her family have been in Moose Jaw for the past few years, and Carmona described her as someone who consistently looks for ways to give back to the community she now calls home. With the start of Ramadan approaching, Tahlo saw an opportunity to do just that.

The holy month, observed by Muslims around the world, is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection and community that often includes acts of charity for those in need. This year, Ramadan runs from the evening of Feb. 17 to the evening of March 18.

“This is a cultural offering they make at the beginning of Ramadan to help the community or people in need. It is part of the tradition,” Carmona noted.

Ramadan traditionally includes the sharing of meals with others, particularly those experiencing hardship. For Tahlo, that meant preparing approximately 35 vegetarian halal wraps filled with a variety of vegetables, lentils, homemade sauces, and spices.

Before most of the city was awake, Tahlo was already in her kitchen preparing the meal.

“She worked from the morning, from like 4 a.m., so we could deliver it at lunchtime,” Carmona said. “She did everything at home. She is very kind, she always likes to help others, and she is a great cook.”

This was not her first time volunteering her culinary skills. Carmona said Tahlo regularly participates in events hosted by the MJMC, including its annual international dinners where newcomers share food, music, and dance traditions from their home countries.

“She always participates by representing Syria,” Carmona said.

In the Tahlo household, community spirit is shared by everyone. Carmona said that Tahlo’s husband, Ibrahim, often joins her at local events, sometimes playing a traditional Syrian instrument while Tahlo prepares food to share. Together with their three sons, the family is known as an outgoing and enthusiastic presence. They remain eager not only to preserve their culture, but to share it with their new neighbours in Moose Jaw.

For Carmona, the donation reflected both the spirit of Ramadan and a shared commitment to supporting organizations like Hope Ministries that serve Moose Jaw’s most vulnerable residents.

“That’s why we decided to go there for this donation, because we think what they are doing is amazing,” she said of Hope Ministries, which provides meals and a welcoming space for people facing homelessness and financial hardship.

Carmona added that Hope Ministries welcomes food donations from community members of all backgrounds and that several residents have stepped forward in recent months to share meals from their own cultures.

Hope Ministries Moose Jaw Inc. is located at 27 Hochelaga Street West and can be reached at 306-691-1009. For more information, visit HopeMJ.ca.

To learn more about the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council, visit the office at the Town ‘N’ Country Mall during regular business hours, call 306-693-4677, or visit MJMCInc.ca.

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express