For Tahar M., generosity always came naturally and effortlessly.
Born in Tunis, Tunisia, Tahar served his country as a public servant. But public service was never just a job for Tahar – to him, giving back to the community was part of his day-to-day practises, embodied through acts of kindness towards all he encountered.
Tahar’s daughter, Monia, shares, “My father’s natural reaction when he saw something wrong was that he wanted to put those affected at ease.”
Growing up in Tunisia, it was a family tradition for Tahar to take Monia and her sibling to enjoy ice cream at a local shop near the beach. Out of his own generosity and pocket, Tahar would not just buy ice cream for his kids, but also for the unhoused moms and children that would line the busy city streets nearby.
Tahar’s generosity and kindness transcended borders. Ottawa became home to Tahar, Monia, and their family as of 1992.
The family had Tahar’s generous spirit top of mind when he passed away at the age of 90. A few years after Tahar passed away, Monia and her mother were at a local event, where they were approached by a woman who seemed vaguely familiar. She turned out to be Tahar’s old neighbour. The neighbour fondly recounted that Tahar often gave her son candies when he was very young. Her son, now in university, remembered Tahar’s kindness and warmth, too.
Tahar’s family dedicated a portion of his estate to the Ottawa Food Bank, aligned with the Islamic practice of Sadaqa, which includes giving in memory of a person.
By donating to the Ottawa Food Bank, Tahar’s kindness will live on in Ottawa. As 1 in 4 households experience food insecurity in Ottawa, Tahar’s gift will support the Ottawa Food Bank in purchasing healthy, fresh food and essential items like diapers.
Leaving a legacy through the Ottawa Food Bank’s Tomorrow’s Harvest program allows you to make a gift through a bequest, life insurance, or securities. Taking part in planned giving is a great way to make a lasting impact on reducing food insecurity in Ottawa.
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