MONTREAL – The Muslim community in Little Burgundy, Montreal, have set up a community fridge filled with food to provide those in need during the holy month of Ramadan, inviting people of all faiths to take whatever they might need.

“It’s a month of giving. Usually what we do in this month, we invite people to our house to offer food there. So it’s the same concept that we wanted to do but outside,” Ahmadi Mohamed, who works at Peace Initiatives, CBC News on Sunday, June 18.

The fridge, started by Muslim-based organization PEACE Initiative was set up the corner of St-Jacques and des Seigneurs streets, in Little Burgundy.

Mohamed has been making sure the fridge is replenished with fresh meals every day.

“Some people don’t really like to go to the food bank to get some food. Some of them want to preserve their dignity in a certain way and with this, no one can see you,” he said.

Members of the community come by to make sure the fridge is filled with meals. (Sarah Leavitt/CBC)

“You can go and just grab the food and you’re finished.”

Over the past week, the fridge has been such a popular spot that the organization is getting a bigger one, and hoping to keep it replenished all year round.

Ramadan, the holiest month in Islamic calendar, started on Saturday, May 27.

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to be closer to Allah through prayers, self-restraint and good deeds.

The idea of Ramadan fridge first appeared in Dubai in 2016 to help the needy during the fasting month.

The initiative is spread across Dubai in areas like Jebel Ali, Marina, Sports City, Umm Suqueim, Jumeirah, Al Barsha, Meydan, and Midriff.