Local non-profit announces name change, new nationwide efforts

© Provided by Windsor Star
Paul Borrelli, the new community services expansion director for the Iraqi Canadian Group Organization, speaks at a BBQ event at Bruce Park in Windsor on Aug. 28, 2020.

Members of the Integrative Canadian Group Organization were in a celebratory mood recently.

The non-profit organization braved the rain and went ahead with a planned barbecue to celebrate several new developments, including a sixth anniversary, expanded services and a name change.

The group, formerly known as the Iraqi Canadian Group Organization, also announced it received $70,000 from the Red Cross to make food boxes. The boxes will be distributed in Windsor, London, Toronto and Ottawa.

“The humanitarian crisis as you can see has increased over the last 20 years,” said Khassan Saka, the organization’s founder and president. “Serving people, it is in my blood. Every day I serve more and put a smile on people’s faces makes me happier.”

The barbecue took place on August 28 at Bruce Park on Church Street.

The group also announced it is going national, seeking government grants to help new Canadians integrate into all regions of Canada. Former city councillor Paul Borrelli will lead those initiatives.

Mayor Drew Dilkens and Windsor-West MP Brian Masse also attended the barbecue.

Saka said the name change was meant to reflect the group’s expanding services.

“Especially lately we have been serving everybody,” he said. “Not just the Iraqis. We don’t want everybody to think that we are just serving the Iraqis.”

Saka, who founded the organization six years ago in Windsor, said it recently registered as an international organization with the United Nations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICGO produced more than 4,000 masks. The organization’s other efforts include sponsoring refugees and hosting seniors programs, youth programs and a food bank every Friday.

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