2024 UPDATE
NEWSLETTER
Established in 1996, by entrepreneur and visionary Shawky Fahel, CIDO has spearheaded several international projects that have an indelible impact on and continue to support the recipient communities.
Our fundraising objective is to raise funds for Education, Healthcare and Humanitarian Relief such as for children with cancer in Gaza and the West Bank.
OUR PARTNERS
2024 HIGHLIGHTS
Meritorious Service Medal Award
The year began with a surprise announcement from the Canda’s Governor General that I was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, one of Canada’s highest honours. This recognition was for the good works of CIDO. I am so pleased to be a part of our terrific CIDO team. And I accept this honour on behalf of all of us. Thank you for your dedication and support that made this possible.
Partnership with the Mariam Foundation
As you know, we began a fund-raising drive in late 2023 to support the needs of Palestinians living in Gaza. We partnered with the Mariam Foundation. In May, we presented a cheque to the Foundation for $25,000. We are continuing to fund raise for this important cause. Attached is a report from Muhammad Hamed that recognizes CIDO’s work and provides a quick summary of their projects in Gaza and West Bank.
During his May visit to Canada and USA, Muhammad visited us in Waterloo. I was honoured to be named the first Canadian Ambassador for the Mariam Foundation.
Fundraising Agreement with Infaque
Infaque, in old Arabic, means Selfless Giving. Infaque is a digital platform for philanthropic non-profit organizations. They have developed an unique program/platform that engages donors and keeps them engaged in a way that is best suited to them. For CIDO, Infaque will provide the tools for donor management.
With the participation and support by Joanne Shoveller, former VP of Advancement at the University of Waterloo, we will be launching our first fundraising campaign, using the Infaque platform, before Christmas. Our plan is to run this campaign until March 2025 and then evaluate the success of the Infaque platform.
Supporting Arab Women in the Waterloo Region
During 2024, CIDO continued its support of Arab women in the Waterloo Region. With our help, the Canadian Arab women’s Association (CAWA) was able to secure over $35,000 from the Waterloo Region’s United Way and Community Foundations programs.
Surprise Birthday Party Fundraiser
On November 30th, my family surprised me with a 75th birthday celebration. Many of you were able to attend. It was a terrific evening that I will always remember. I am pleased to tell you that over $3,500 was contributed to CIDO. That just added ‘icing on the cake’ to a wonderful party.
Agreement with TAG Foundation
I have opened discussions with Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global (TAG.Global). TAG.Global is the largest multination organization that provides a vast range of professional services. Check out their web site, www.tag.global . And read about its founder Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh. He is an absolutely amazing man.
We are finalizing a MOU whereby TAG.Global will market and support CIDO’s fundraising campaigns through their vast network of contacts.
Lloyd Axworthy Book Signing
On November 25, I was pleased to host the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy in Waterloo for the launch of his most recent book, ‘My Life in Politics’. The book is his memoir that traces his remarkable public career as a politician, a diplomat, a university president, and a leading international advocate for the rights of refugees.
While he was in town, we had the opportunity to discuss many of his past achievements based on his commitment to peace and human security. He was the power behind Canada leading to the treaty that bans anti-personal land mines and to the creation of the International Criminal Court.
We also talked about the future. His experiences of the past make his concerns and ideas for the future, very real.
I have invited Lloyd to address the CIDO Board of Directors and he has accepted. We are now looking for a date for a CIDO Board Zoom meeting -hopefully before Christmas or very early in 2025.
Partnership with the University of Waterloo
CIDO continues to support the Foundation for Palestinian Studies at the University of Waterloo through our project, the ‘Friends of the Foundation for Palestinian Studies. In September, the University released its Impact Report. A copy of that report is attached for your information.
John English and I, as members of the Foundation’s Advisory Committee, met with the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and discussed ideas for the Palestinian Studies program and how best to allocate the Foundation funds to meet our mutual objectives.
The encampment at the University in the Spring brought awareness of the Palestinian situation to both the campus at large and to the broader Region of Waterloo community. I was pleased that we were able to negotiate a peaceful settlement with the encampment participants. Awareness continues to expand on campus, and I am now meeting with a number of the faculty, staff and students to discuss new ideas for 2025 and beyond. New channels of communication are opening!
In July, Dr. Shelia Ager retired as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and as Chair of the Foundation for Palestinian Studies advisory committee. Professor Alexie Tcheuyap was named as the new Dean and becomes the Chair of the committee. I had the pleasure of hosting a dinner in honour of Dean Ager and presenting her with a certificate of appreciation from all of us on the CIDO Board.
NEWS & UPDATE
Our History
Here are Our Milestones
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Company Started
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First Charity Donation
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100 Project Milestone
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Renewable Energy
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Improve Self-Esteem
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Reduce Your Stress
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Company Started
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