On Saturday, October 17, 2009, IDRF held its 11th Annual Gala at the lovely Sheraton Parkway Hotel in Toronto. Five hundred guests and supporters turned out to honour the bravery of beneficiaries, who strive against difficult circumstances, and to celebrate IDRF’s 25 years of humanitarian service.

The event featured a Keynote Speech by Dr. Redouane Al Fakir, Director of the Muhammad Institute for Sciences of the Cosmos at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Dr. Redouane spoke about the connection between science, the cosmos, and humanitarianism, and also spoke about Islam’s absence from high-profile scientific fields such as space exploration and space-based autonomy. Overall, Dr. Redouane delivered a compelling speech which captivated the audience.

Guests were welcomed by Charles Coffey, Gala Co-Chair, and by Dr. Cassim Degani, Chair of IDRF Board of Directors. Jennifer Tory, RBC Regional President, brought Greetings from RBC, the Gala Presenting Sponsor. Indira Naidoo-Harris, the MC of the event, smoothly guided the event from start to finish and also introduced musical performances by Professor Bassan Bishara, and by Tariq Hameed, accompanied by Rauf Sheikh on the Tabla. The backdrop of the stage was designed beautifully by Mahla Ghasempour and Sashar Zarif.

Overall, the Gala recognized the dedication and generosity of donors, volunteers, and sponsors, remembered the bravery of beneficiaries, and celebrated IDRF’s 25 years of humanitarian service. Thank you to all that celebrated this milestone with us and to all our donors, volunteers, and sponsors who have supported IDRF over the years and have made our humanitarian efforts worldwide possible.

IDRF is very appreciative of Dr. Reduoane Al Fakir, Indira Naidoo-Harris, our Presenting Sponsor RBC Financial Group, our Gold Sponsors (Par Pak, HSBC, Iqbal’s, West GTA Endoscopy, Karim and Qaylah Jeeva, Continental Precious Minerals, Accenture, BMO) and Corporate sponsors for their active participation in the IDRF Gala. We thank the talented artists, the dedicated and energetic volunteers, and all our guests for their generous support of IDRF.

To view images from the event, please click the image below.