As the Holy month is upon us, it is a great opportunity to introduce a few of the incredible individuals in our community who celebrate Ramadan with devotion, joy, and a spirit of unity. We're embracing the opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate our diversity, and strengthen the bonds that unite and make our community unique.

Ramadan Kareem!

EID MUBARAK

As the month of fasting comes to an end, we welcome Eid al-Fitr. This is known as the festival of Breaking the Fast. The timing of Eid is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar.
Charity is one of the 5 pillars of Islam which means it is considered of significant importance to Muslims. "Zakat, or charity is seen as means of purifying one's wealth and assisting with resources within the community for those in need. Broadmeadows Central is grateful and proud do have the opportunity to support a local charity group known as Care2Share (C2S).
Run by two strong women Sabah and Majida, Care2Share is a charity founded in Sydney and has expanded to Melbourne. Their main objective is meal sharing and emphasising on making sure no food goes to waste. As part of their recent work, C2S Melbourne ran a Ramadan project that helped support the most vulnerable in the community by providing house hold goods and food for Suhoor and or Iftar. Sabah said "Last year we had the Ramadan project which started as meal sharing which then turned into the Foodbank that now runs every Tuesday at Glenroy Neighbourhood House.... This year we were blessed enough to make Essential Ramadan Food packs that were delivered to the most vulnerable in our community"

"We will also be having A Eid Toy drive were will see kids of the most vulnerable receive an Eid Gift and be celebrating like every other child on the day of Eid."
Broadmeadows Central is proud and grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to C2S's amazing cause and contribute to the inspiring work they do. With our donation, C2S have been able to provide 59 Eid packs for teenagers and kids that would have otherwise missed out on the Holy celebrations.

Sabah works also involves supporting women who are victims of Domestic Violence, Women reverts, and have recently supported one of the first Palestinian families to flee to Melbourne from Gaza in the recent months.

If you would like to contribute towards Sabah and Majida's work, you can request to join their private Facebook group - Care2Share - Meal Sharing Melbourne.

Below is Sabah and Majida pictured with Jeroam Broadmeadows Central Centre Manager receiving their gift cards.

MARYAM

This is Maryam. You may have recognised her friendly face from years of working at Best & Less. We asked Maz to reflect on her own community and some of her favourite things about Ramadan. "Having been born and raised as a Lebanese Australian in Broadmeadows , it’s the place that I call home. The multiculturalism and atmosphere make up a beautiful welcoming community."

"The things I enjoy looking forward to in Ramadan: Taking the time to focus on what really matters in life and being grateful for all the blessings we don’t realise we take for granted."

ADEM

Meet Adem, You may have seen him walking around the centre as our very own Security Supervisor for the last 3 years.

As a practising Turkish Muslim, we asked Adem to reflect about Ramadan he mentioned;

“One of my favourite things about Ramadan is the fresh start and reset!”

We live such busy lives, so it’s a good time to reestablish healthy habits and reconnect to what is important –  Having family dinners and connecting with God.

Favourite Iftaar meal? Enchilada’s! I love Mexican food!

And some of the challenges is missing my coffee and going to the gym.

DANIELLE

Say "Hello" to a very familiar face. One that you have more than likely seen wondering around the centre.

Meet Danielle, our very own Guest Experience Manager who is a Broadmeadows local for over 10 years. Originally from Sydney, NSW, Danielle grew up in the suburbs of Sydney where a majority of its community followed the Islamic faith. As a teenager she learnt about the religion through her own journey and research and ultimately made the decision to revert around 28 years ago.  “This is my second time fasting during Daylight Savings time, we’ve hit a full circle!”

What is your favourite part about Ramadan?

“The Reflection & reset!  – resetting life, and having the opportunity to establish new habits and taking the time to reconnect with Allah (swt)"

What's your favourite Iftar meal?

“I love soups! Soups & Fattoush. I can have that every night and never complain!”

“But I do miss my coffee during Ramadan. It's one of the main challenges for me!”