Hamza Ali Abbasi, Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Federal Minister Tim Hodgson Attend Event; Tribute Paid to the Community Services of Late Khalid Usman, While Dr. Abida Usman’s Commitment Is Highly Appreciated
Report By : Mehboob Ali Shaikh
An annual fundraising dinner was held in the Canadian city of Markham to support Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, raising approximately CAD $650,000 in donations. Organized by the Cancer Education Research Foundation, the event was attended by around 500 people. Prominent business figures, community leaders and senior public officials from the Pakistani community actively participated in the fundraising campaign to support cancer patients.
The event was attended by several prominent personalities, including renowned Pakistani actor Hamza Ali Abbasi, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Federal Minister Tim Hodgson, Member of Parliament Salma Zahid, Aziz Rokla, Kim Siddiqui, Zara Rana, Dr. Arshad Mahmood, Saleem Chaudhry and Dr. Aliea Butt.
An important and emotional aspect of the fundraising dinner was remembering the community services of the late former councillor Khalid Usman. Participants paid tribute to him as a sincere community leader, a well-wisher of humanity and someone who remained actively involved in supporting Shaukat Khanum Hospital.
Khalid Usman’s deep connection with the community and his role in charitable activities remained prominent throughout the event. While remembering his services, participants expressed their determination to continue the journey of serving humanity and supporting charitable initiatives.
On this occasion, the commitment, courage and perseverance of his wife, Dr. Abida Usman, were also highly appreciated. Participants described her efforts as important in ensuring the continuation of this charitable mission. The event organizers included CERF Co-Chair Dr. Abida Usman, Dr. Asif, Dr. Yasir Haider and Javed Khan, along with several others.
The chief guest, renowned Pakistani actor Hamza Ali Abbasi, paid tribute in his address to the vision behind the establishment of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and the efforts of Imran Khan behind its creation. He appreciated the continued support and spirit of service demonstrated by the Pakistani community living in Canada for the treatment of cancer patients and this important charitable mission.
Participants emphasized that donations, public awareness and collective support are essential in the fight against a serious disease like cancer. They noted that such community initiatives bring a message of hope to patients and their families.
Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti addressed the gathering and paid tribute to the late Khalid Usman for his services to the community. Federal Minister Tim Hodgson also addressed the event, while the participation of Member of Parliament Salma Zahid and other prominent personalities added further significance to the charitable gathering.
Various councillors, community leaders and candidates planning to participate in upcoming municipal elections also attended the event. Representatives of different segments of the community expressed their commitment to continuing their support for the treatment of cancer patients.
The event was skillfully hosted by Hina Usman. Through the joint efforts of participants and organizers, approximately CAD $650,000 was raised, marking an important achievement for the annual fundraising campaign.
Several prominent business figures from the community, including Aziz Rakla, Dr. Aliea Butt, Dr. Arshad Mahmood, Saleem Chaudhry, Zarar Rana, Cam Siddiqui, Sajjad Ibrahim, Shakir Rehamatullah and Dr. Haider, among others, contributed substantial donations to this charitable cause. The event not only raised financial support for Shaukat Khanum Hospital but also reflected the unity, social responsibility and charitable spirit of the Pakistani community living in Canada.
The fundraising dinner in Markham proved to be a memorable occasion, not only for raising donations but also for remembering the services of the late Khalid Usman and appreciating Dr. Abida Usman’s commitment. The organizers and participants expressed hope that the Pakistani community in Canada would continue to support Shaukat Khanum Hospital and other charitable initiatives in the future, helping provide cancer patients with access to treatment and hope for a better future.
