Azhar Bats For The Elderly At PEACE Event Toronto: Cricketing legend and Indian Member of Parliament, Mohammad Azharuddin, was in Toronto, on behalf of PEACE (Prevention of Elder Abuse and Community Education), an organization campaigning to end elder abuse. He spoke at a fundraising dinner in Toronto.
Azhar spoke passionately to the few hundred strong gathering on the need to be more respectful and mindful of the seniors. The event was marked by some thought provoking speeches by Dr.Yahya Fadlalla, Shahnawaz Mohammed, Fasi Masood, Iftekhar Sharif and Moiz Khan. This was followed by effective fund raising by noted former councillor Khalid Usman. The attendees responded with high spirits pledging funds to the cause of PEACE. A cricket bat signed by Azharuddin was auctioned for $700.
Entertainment was provided by the “Avengers†group rendering some memorable tunes by noted singer Rahat Ali Khan.
Azharuddin held several records during his cricketing career some which remain unbroken three decades later. Ajju bah, as he is fondly called by the “Hyderabadi-Indian†community, was given the Pride of India Award on the occasion. Other social workers who were awarded at the event include Iftekhar Shareef (prominent social activist and businessman from Chicago), Mohammed Wajiduddin (president of Oxford Dental College, Toronto), Jamal Khan (retired Staff Sergeant of Toronto Police Service and dedicated community worker), and Shahnawaz Mohammed (former president of PEACE Services).
PEACE President, Moiz Khan, in his speech said that the goal of his organization is to bring happiness, safety and hope in the life of elders and their families. The organization aims to build a senior citizens center to provide recreation, education, cultural activities and other programs for senior citizens.
The event also marked June 15th as “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day†held across the globe to raise awareness of elder abuse and highlight ways to challenge such abuse.
PEACE Treasurer Fasi Masood in his presentation noted the different types of abuse, consequences of it which could result in serious complications including death. Perpetrators of abuse generally include someone you trust and they could shockingly be your spouse, friend or relative and this abuse is generally not reported to police for fear of losing social support. Fasi noted an interesting statistic which said 8 million Canadians will be over the age of 65 years by 2031 this is 25% of Canada’s population. Fasi emphasized the gravity of this situation and the social costs including serious consequences to elders in Canada. PEACE is at the forefront of community services providing free education & training in computers, seminars on health, safety, personality development, safe driving including contributions and providing recreational activities to seniors.
Farooq Siddiqui, Vice President said PEACE was formed in 2006 has always encouraged volunteers especially youth in the community to educate, providing bridging programs; inculcate youth to take responsibility of elders and connecting youth with elders.