Assalamu Alaikum friends, brothers and sisters

My name is Hamzah Moin and I’m the Regional Director for MIST Toronto. Yes I know, many of you already get bombarded with pleas and pushes to donate to Masjid X or Organization Y but there are many reasons why MIST is different from those initiatives which will be covered below.

For those who haven’t heard of MIST Toronto: MIST stands for the Muslim Interscholastic Tournament and this year is its third year running. We hope to create one of the greatest youth experiences for Muslims. The last two tournaments received rave reviews from participants, volunteers and community leaders. That might seem like a bold statement and to prove it, I ask you to ask ANY past participant of MIST or ANY volunteer or judge and they’ll tell you about their glowing experience.

The 2008 tournament had 80 competitors and 30 volunteers and judges. In 2009 the tournament had almost 300 competitors and 60 volunteers and judges. This year we are expecting 500 competitors and 100 volunteers and judges. This would make MIST Toronto the fastest growing MIST Regional and Muslim youth initiative in North America.

Students who attended MIST receive a greater sense of motivation in school and a greater sense of leadership. Many of these students go on to their MSAs as trustworthy leaders which translates into greater civic duty and community involvement once they graduate. These seeds are planted and fertilized during the MIST days.

This event is entirely run by passionate volunteers who see great potential in this event. The event is run at a loss every year and every year volunteers usually have to spend out of their own pocket to make amends and keep the tournament afloat.

In order for the tournament to run efficiently this year, it MUST receive community support. Not only in a volunteer basis but also financially. We have run a few pledgies in the past and received some support but we are really asking for a major push this year.

The following is our budget for the 2010 year:
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Logistical cost for 3 days of renting rooms, gymnasiums, buildings, custodian use, and Convocation Hall: $3,500

Entertainment and Speaker Costs: $5,000

Food and drinks (provided to all competitors and guests): $3,500

Quiz Bowl Buzzers: $500

Printing and Marketing Expenses: $1,500

Hotel Contingency Costs: $1,000

TOTAL COSTS: $15,000

Although there are registration fees for participants, it is done at a much lower rate compared to other MIST Regionals to allow maximum participation from all high schools.

MIST is something the community needs at this point in time. Similarly, MIST needs the community to survive.

I leave you with the MIST 2010 trailer which is doing a fine job of hyping up these committed youth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2jhngzxQ4c

If you would like more questions before donating, you can email me at info@misttoronto.ca

Thank you,
Hamzah Moin
Regional Director
MIST Toronto
http://www.misttoronto.ca