Our hometown, Mashghara, is the place where
we were born, grew up, went to school, played in its narrow streets and lived in its
humble houses. It’s the town where our fathers worked at the tanneries and in the
apple orchards.
However, many of us left for the bigger cities of Lebanon or abroad in
search of our dreams. Most of us settled in Ottawa, Canada’s capital and more are
coming. Thus came the idea of forming a benevolent society.
The idea became reality the summer of 1975 when the first meeting was
at Nick, Said and Majid’s restaurant. In attendance were Joseph Ghattas, George Absi,
Loutfi Hajjar, Jawdat Ghazal, Nazih and Zaki Baroud, Michael Hajjar, and Ibrahim Hajjar.
It was determined that the purpose of the new-found society would be to
maintain the existing bond that exists between the Mashghara people and to promote
goodwill between us and the rest of the Lebanese community in Ottawa. Its purpose is also
to preserve our heritage and culture as well as to help the elderly and the less fortunate
who remain in Mashghara despite the hard times they are enduring.
Thanks to the help of many, the society has been successful in
achieving its goals. We would therefore like to take this opportunity to encourage other
Mashghara people communities around the world to form their own chapter. Your success
would mean a great deal to us, therefore, should you need any help in establishing your
chapter, we would be more than happy to assist you in any way we can.
Sincerely yours,
Mashghara Society (Ottawa Chapter)
Mashghara
Benevolent Society
Box
35026, Westgate Post Office
Ottawa
Ontario Canada
K1Z
1A2
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