'Give 30' offers non-Muslim Montrealers a taste of Ramadan

Non-Muslim Montrealers looking to connect more closely with their Muslim friends or family during this year's Ramadancan do so thanks to Give 30.

The organization encourages non-Muslim Quebecers to join their friends throughout their fasting period and to donate money todifferent food banks across the country, the founder of Give 30,Ziyaad Mia, told CBC Montreal'sDaybreak.

The holy month ofRamadanstarts this week and runs until July 7. DuringRamadan, Muslims avoid eating or drinking anythingfrom sunrise tosunset.

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The young, the elderly and those too sick to fast are asked to participate by donating to those who need it more.

Mia will be starting his fast on June 6.

"The idea is to think about avery real issue ofhunger andto have empathy.Hunger does not discriminate or have a religion," said Mia.

In Quebec, Give 30 runs in partnership with Food Banks ofQuebec, a non-profit group that helps distribute food and money to different food banks across the province.

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According to Food Banks ofQuebec, 400,000 people go hungry in Quebec every month 150,000 of whom are children.

From joke to generosity

Around 2001,Mia was cleaning out his coffee mug for Ramadan whenhe started joking with a friendwho had bought a Starbucks coffee.

"I just told him 'Hey! You know, at least duringRamadan, I save a lot of money. I love saving money'" said Mia.

That's what Mia described as the "Eureka" moment.

Though 15 years of procrastination kept Mia from implementing his idea, the advancement in technology during that time worked in his favour.

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In 2012, hedesigned and launched his websiteand the Give 30 initiative debuted in Quebec a year later.

So far, the Give 30 campaign has raised almost $20,000 in Quebec.Nationally, the number to date is almost $400,000. This year, the organization hopes to reach the $500,000 mark.

Though the initiative is Ramadan-based, Mia says the values of the holy month are not exclusive to Islam.

"The spirit of Ramadan is pretty much universal," Mia said."If you see someone in need, you help them."

Those interested in donating can visit Give 30's website.