An annual food drive had to go digital due to COVID-19 but Windsor-Essex came through.
The 15th annual Muslims of Windsor Share the Spirit Ramadan Food Drive set a goal of $17,000 to be divided evenly between 17 organizations.
But co-ordinator Sousan Khaled says more than $24,000 was raised to purchase a $1,500 Presidents Choice gift card for each food bank.
"I'm going to be honest; the $1,000 goal per charity was something I didn't think we'd be able to reach. We got 50 per cent more than what we expected; I'm so proud of this community," she says.
The annual fundraising event with activities for area children at Devonshire Mall had to be cancelled due to the pandemic, but Khaled says everything worked out.
"It's a little sad but really good things came out of this and I couldn't be happier; I was not expecting this," says Khaled. "I'm ecstatic right now. I don't know how to put it in words to be honest with you."
She says two of the 17 food banks are run by the Muslim community and serve anyone in need with the majority representing a wide range of support groups and religions.
The event is to celebrate Ramadan, but Khalid says the results are for everyone.
"The Windsor community is my community. Canada is my country. This is our duty, it's what everyone is supposed to do no matter what your faith or culture is," she says. "This is an obligation for every human being."
Khaled says the influx of food is needed more than ever with people struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic.