A community led volleyball tournament in London brought together players, volunteers and spectators this Sunday at White Oaks Public School from noon to 7 p.m. to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Palestine and Lebanon.
This year marked the sixth time the tournament was held, growing bigger each year.
“It started out with four of us who just had a passion for volleyball,” said Natalie Cheit, one of the event’s organizers. “We decided to get the community together, and after seeing such a great turnout, we kept doing it again and again.”
Chiet said donating funds to charity has been part of the tournament since its beginning, with the event growing over the years to include vendors and community groups.
This year marked the first time the tournament partnered with Islamic Relief, an international humanitarian organization that provides emergency and long-term aid in conflict-affected regions.
Credit: XFM Reporter Melissa Ghanoum
Funds raised during the event will be split evenly between Palestine and Lebanon and distributed to contacts on the ground to support families affected by ongoing conflict.
“We decided to donate part of the proceeds to Islamic Relief so the support could reach more areas and contribute to long term projects, not just emergency response,” said Alan Dautovic, a fundraising specialist with Islamic Relief in London.
Credit: XFM Repoter Melissa Ghanoum
Players said competing in a tournament tied to a humanitarian cause added meaning to the experience.
“Just knowing that it’s going to a good cause makes it more of a fun environment to be in,” said Ali Othman, who played in the tournament.
Community organizations also participated in the event, including the (LSA), a student group at Western University, whose president said the tournament created an opportunity to support those in need while staying engaged locally.
“We’re so glad to have this opportunity to be here, raising money and being involved in the community,” said Muhammad Musulmani, president of the LSA. “This money is going to kids and families who are underprivileged in Lebanon and Palestine.”
Organizers said they hope to continue hosting the tournament in the future as a way to bring the community together through sport while supporting humanitarian causes.
