Nepean Cop & MPs Raise Money for Somalis

Nepean —On March 1, 2012, the organization “A New Dawn for Somalia,” hosted a fundraiser in Nepean to raise funds for victims of the Somali Crisis. The event was well-attended and included special guests John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pierre Poilievre, MP for Nepean-Carleton, and Debra Fraser, Director General for the Ottawa Police Service.

“Many of my constituents who are from Somalia still have family back home that have been negatively affected by the drought and civil war,” said Poilievre. “By taking part in this event, people are empowering and giving hope to our local Somali community, while providing much needed assistance to their families in Somalia.”

The crisis in Somalia has brought famine, disease and death too close to home for Somali-Canadians who still have family back home, taking both a financial and emotional toll on those affected.

Abulkadir Abdi, the man behind “A New Dawn for Somalia,” is a police officer with the Ottawa Police Service. Originally from Somalia, Abdi feels that more needs to be done in dealing with the ongoing crisis. “I am passionate about this cause and I think it is important to spread the word as much as possible,” said Abdi. “I am humbled by the outpouring of support from members of the Somali community and ordinary Canadians across the country.”

The event raised approximately $25,000 which will be divided between two charities: MSF Canada/Doctors Without Borders for medical and nutritional care; and the Somali Hope Academy to build schools in Somalia.

Minister John Baird, Abulkadir Abdi and MP Pierre Poilievre attended this event which raised approximately $25K for charity.

Minister John Baird, Abulkadir Abdi and MP Pierre Poilievre attended this event which raised approximately $25K for charity.