The Yusuf sisters have launched their annual holiday season fundraising drive, this year to purchase technology for special needs and bilingual children at local schools.
Manha, 13, and Laiba, 11, are selling red poinsettias and fresh fruit boxes in Newmarket and area with orders of poinsettias due by Dec. 1 and the fruit boxes by Dec. 10, with delivery starting on Nov. 27.
Local businesses, restaurants and donors in the community have helped them raise more than $1,465 toward their goal of $2,500.
The plants are coming from a greenhouse in Niagara Falls, while the fruit is from the Ontario food terminal, Manha said.
Order online at 2024 Holidays Fundraiser or for more information or to make a donation, email [email protected].
Over the last five years, the duo has co-founded a non-profit called Stamp Out Stigma for Mental Health (stampoutstigma.ca), collected backpacks filled with school supplies for students in need and supported organizations like Inn From the Cold, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 360kids and Yellow Brick House.
They have volunteered for thousands of hours and received multiple awards and recognition.
"As prestigious Diana Award holder, I continue my efforts to show that young people have the power to change the world. I am thankful to each of you who donated money and purchased the fundraiser items since I started my passion of making a positive change in 2019. Your unwavering support has made a substantial difference in the communities we live in and helping so many under privileged along the way. I look forward to seeing many of you once again while picking up your orders or having us deliver," Manha said.
"Working on this annual fundraiser with Manha is a great learning opportunity for me. I wish to connect back once again with the community who supported our work for many years. These beautiful poinsettias and our fresh fruit boxes are sure to brighten up your holidays and are great gifts for families and friends. Please support this very important initiative and join us making a difference in the community we live in," said Laiba.
The young fundraising dynamos have recently worked on new projects, including as Celebrate Life Birthday supported by a Newmarket Awesome Foundation grant, providing fruits and vegetables to low-income and homeless individuals and families, supporting free arts and crafts sessions focused on reducing bullying and improving mental health.
