Doug McCallum, Mayor of the City of Surrey, was Guest of Honor at the Canada Day celebrations hosted by the Dawoodi Bohra community of Vancouver.
The event started with a recital of the Holy Quran, followed by a welcome address by the Vancouver Bohra community’s leader, Huzeifa Rokur, who reminded everyone on Canada Day that the Dawoodi Bohras adhere to Prophet Mohammed’s saying that love and devotion towards one’s country are part of the faith.
Huzeifa thanked all guests for attending, informing Mayor McCallum that, “If there is anything the community can do towards the betterment of the City of Surrey, we would be happy to help.” A short introductory video on the Dawoodi Bohra community was played and a presentation was made on the community’s activities over the last year by Mr. Khozema Khambati, a member of the Dawoodi Bohra community.
Mayor Doug McCallum addressed the community, commenting how Surrey is very multicultural and is the fastest growing city in BC. He noted how people from all over the world are welcome to live in Surrey, a city that he felt had never been so vibrant. He described how knowing your neighbour is an important part of Surrey life, and the role of the City is to build the infrastructure to keep its community members safe.
“I can see in your eyes how excited you are,” Mayor McCallum said, “and it is nice to see all the pleasant faces with smiles. We want to work and learn from each other. Canada is a Great Nation with a strong history. It is a real pleasure to be here today.”
The Mayor commended the Dawoodi Bohra Community on their tree planting activities, part of their global Project Rise initiative, saying that caring for the environment is very important, and helps to keep our communities healthy and active.
Huzeifa Rokur presented Mayor McCallum with a shawl and flowers. A cake was cut by the Mayor and the children of the Dawoodi Bohra Community, and the Canada Day celebrations concluded with a flag-hoisting ceremony and the National Anthem.