We can agree that the past eighteen months have been like no other. It has taught us to be prepared and maintain resilience. The same values hold true and are at the center of FOCUS' efforts worldwide. 

This year, Edmonton's Regional FOCUS Campaign is centered on fun and engaging activities for the whole family -  from building an Emergency Prep Kit for your home, to an afternoon of cooking and exploring the foods from the regions that FOCUS supports, to virtual storytelling information sessions from local Edmontonians with on- the-ground experience working in Tajikistan, Syria and Afghanistan. There's something for everyone to enjoy! and learn from. See below for a detailed description of planned activities. 

August 1, 10:30 am MT - FOCUS Storytelling Session #1: Anil Mawani 

Learn how FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance is supporting our Jamat, here and abroad, through a local Edmontonian who served in FOCUS’ very first repatriation program in Afghanistan. Anil Mawani will share insight to the challenges faced during the first formal program setup in Central Asia and FOCUS' COVID-19 response worldwide. Please join us with chai in hand on Zoom.

August 8, 10:30 am MT - FOCUS Storytelling Session #2: Nashir Karmali

Join us for Part 2 of these information sessions. Nashir Karmali will share his 'boots on the ground' experience during his work with FOCUS in Tajikistan and Syria. We will also seek his perspective on FOCUS' COVID-19 relief efforts in these regions. Please join us on Zoom.

August 14, 1:30-3:30 pm MT - Virtual Cooking Lesson: Discover The Flavors of Focus in Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Syria 

Join us from your kitchen for an afternoon of culinary discovery into the countries of Syria, Pakistan and Tajikistan. While you enjoy an interactive cooking lesson on making traditional dishes such as Plov, Mixed Veg Curry and Fattoush Salad, you will also enjoy hearing from guest speakers and their stories of what these foods mean to them, as well as the impact that FOCUS has had on their communities and Jamat. ATCO's Blue Flame Kitchen will be hosting this 2-hour immersive experience. Registration details to follow.

Ongoing until August 16 - Emergency Preparedness: Family Scavenger Hunt and Contest

Edmonton region is prone to natural and weather disasters year round - from tornadoes, ice storms, extreme heat and cold, you never know when you'll need to reach for emergency supplies. We will provide a list of items - collect as many as you can and keep them together in a safe place that you can easily find. Participants can post a picture of items collected on our regional Instagram channel. Everyone who submits a picture along with their name, will be entered for a chance to win a prize. Contest ends on August 16. Details to follow. 

Be Ready for Anything, Even the Future. The World Needs You. focusstar.ca/donate-now