Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, April 2, 2026.

President Olaf chaired the meeting and welcomed Rotarians and guests to the Rotary lunch meeting especially Rotarian Jim who had not been able to attend Rotary meetings in the winter months. Rotarians showed their pleasure at his attendance at the meeting.

 Guest Presentation

Olaf welcomed the guests from the recently established Corner Brook Islamic Centre, CBIC, in Corner Brook. The guests were Abdul-Lahf Alhassan, General Secretary of CBIC, Imam Mahmoud and Dr A. K. M. Shahidulla, President of CBIC.

President Shahidulla, Shahid presented the power point presentation entitled Muslim Community in Corner Brook, Visibility, Solidity and Solidarity.

 He began by looking at the visibility of the Muslim community in Corner Brook area before 2020 and how the community has grown to the present day. Before 2020 the were about 30 in the community but there was a gradual increase each year so that in 2026 there are about 500 in the local Muslim community. This community includes students at Grenfell Campus and CNA campus as well as people moving to the area for different reasons including work. As the community grew space was needed for Prayers and Cultural Affairs. Initially an assigned room in the hospital was used but to accommodate more the meetings rooms were changed to the old Club 64 and then other rented areas. 

 In 2024 the Solidity of the community showed the need for a permanent and cultural larger space. Shadid spoke of how the community would not qualify for any possible assistance unless it officially combined and became what is now known as the Corner Brook Islamic Centre. It was decided to buy property for a Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre in Corner Brook which will serve Western Newfoundland. A solidity fund collection drive began with friends, family and many throughout the world making donations. The Sabeel Muslim Youth and Community Centre, Halifax has collaborated with the Corner Brook Mosque Islamic Centre resulting in the purchase of 38 Clarence Street Corner Brook.

 This building now holds the first Mosque in Corner Brook and an Islamic Community area of which visuals were shown.

Shahid concluded his presentation by referring to his last topic presentation topic Solidarity. There are plans for a public opening of the new Mosque and Community Centre building in the future. There is also hope that by CBIC working with other organisations benefits to the wider community can result.

 Shahid answered several questions before being thanked and the meeting adjourned.