The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association is trying to raise one million pounds of food donations to help Canadians in need.

“We are trying to achieve one million pounds of food from coast to coast,” said Muhammad Mansoor, a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association who was collecting donations at the Safeway on 2304 109 Street on Wednesday.

Thousands of youth from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association are collecting food donations across Canada with the goal of making “hunger history” while inspiring youth to be active volunteers in their community.

Mansoor said tough economic times have forced more people to turn to the Edmonton Food Bank for help, making their Edmonton food drive all the more important.

“The response from the community is overwhelming,” said Mansoor, who said his location alone raised 2,000 pounds of food on Tuesday.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at is marking 50 years in Canada in 2016, and Mansoor said the Million Pounds of Food drive is a great way to celebrate the occasion by giving back to the community.

“We are here to help people, I really feel good about it,” said Yasir Ahmad, helping collect donations with Mansoor.

“Inshallah, we will exceed the million pounds,” said Mansoor. “This will be a very big achievement.”

The Million Pounds of Food campaign continues until July. For more information, go to www.millionpoundsfood.ca

@ClaireTheobald

claire.theobald@sunmedia.ca