Fast and Furious Feast fills famished Winnipeggers while raising funds

Hundreds of people gathered in the Exchange District Friday night for an outdoor feast celebrating Ramadan and raising money for those in need.

The Fast and Furious feast is part of a national campaign that calls on people from all faiths to support their local food bank and celebrate the beginning of Ramadan, which begins next Tuesday.

• Winnipeg Harvest food shortage prompts call for more donations

The event, which is part of the national Give 30 organization, raises money for the Winnipeg Harvest.

"I think hunger is a very important thing that we need to tackle in a place like Manitoba where so many people have to rely on places like Winnipeg Harvest for their next meal," Mohammad Almaleki, with Give 30 Manitoba, said.

This year it is particularly important to support Winnipeg Harvest, Almaleki said.

"Its super important because we have had an influx of Syrian refugees come into Manitoba and Winnipeg Harvest recently sent out a call saying they have food shortages because of the heavy reliance on their resources this year," he said.

Food banks also typically receive less donations during the summer months.

Almaleki said they sold 500 tickets before the event and another 100 at the door.

"It's definitely a sell out," he said.

Hungry Winnipeggers got to enjoy a dinner prepared by businesses in the area including Shawarma Khan, East India Company Pub & Eatery, Kawaii Crepe and Bronuts Donuts and Coffee.