Former Milton councilor Zeeshan Hamid is set to embark on a charity motorcycle ride across Appalachian Mountains to raise funds for Nisa Homes, a group which creates the opportunity of ‘home’ for domestic violence survivors across Canada.
After raising more than $7,000 on his charity motorcycle ride last year, Hamid aims to raise $5,000 for mental health, Inside Halton reported.
Hamid will join fellow bikers traversing the Applachians across five US states in about five days, from May 18 to 22.
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“It’s quite a scenic route as well. So it should be a good bike ride,” Hamid, the former mayoral candidate, said.
Mental Health Challenges
Hamid opened up about his own struggle in dealing with anxiety at the height of the pandemic and lockdown, describing the mental health challenges faced by many as a shadow pandemic.
The campaign, which ends May 18, has nearly met half its goal, raising $2,370 till the time of writing.
Hamid is an active volunteer, and an avid advocate for mental health, good governance, environment and social justice.
He is a past president of Milton Toastmasters, and is active in mentoring and coaching several youths in the community.
There are many Muslim groups offering support for women fleeing abuse in North America.
Nisa Homes, a Mississauga-based group, offers transitional homes for Muslim, immigrant and refugee women and children who are seeking shelter after fleeing domestic violence.
Sakeenah Homes, founded in 2018, already operates transitional housing and supports Muslim women and their children in Brampton, London, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and now Winnipeg.