www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, July 21, 2016 | 8 `Fungama' and games at Coronation Park Saturday by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff What began as a picnic to get out and enjoy the nice summer weather with family and friends has evolved into a unique fundraising event that attracts about 300 people each year. Fungama, now in its sixth year, is a free charity picnic, games day and volleyball tournament that raises funds to help support orphans in impoverished countries around the world. It takes place at Coronation Park, 1426 Lakeshore Rd., this Saturday (July 23) from noon to 9 p.m. The name -- a combination of the word `fun' and `hungama', which is the word for riot in Urdu -- represents the spirit of the familyfriendly, multicultural event, organizer Vajid Khan told the Oakville Beaver. Calling it a wacky assortment of games with a competitive volleyball tournament thrown into the mix, Khan, who is backed by more than 20 volunteers helping him put on the annual picnic and games day, said Fungama is about letting the kid inside of you out. "I know I'm 35 years old and by no means a kid anymore, but you know, I've kind of got that energy inside me where I like to be goofy and wacky sometimes," said Khan, who has lived in Oakville for nine years and is a radiologist at Bluewater Health in Sarnia. "I think a lot of people do (too), but they sometimes feel self conscious about it.... It just Fungama, which takes place this Saturday (July 23) at Coronation Park, is a free charity picnic, games day and volleyball tournament that raises funds to help support orphans in impoverished countries around the world. Pictured, participants in a tug-o-war game during last year's event. | photo courtesy Fungama lets everyone let loose a little bit. I think that's a big reason why people like the event," he continued. "It's a lot of fun." But the event is more than a good time. In 2012, organizers decided given Fungama's huge draw in the community, it was a good opportunity to give back in some way. After some research, Khan chose the Orphan Sponsorship Program at University of Toronto to support, with every dollar raised going towards it. He liked that it was a student-run, well- established program run by the university's Muslim Students Association. Khan noted, too, in his religion, helping an orphan is considered to be one of the best ways to be blessed by the Prophet Muhammad. "A lot of the reason why I'm where I am in life is because of my parents and if people don't have parents around helping them, I think that's unfortunate," he said. "It would be nice to help kids, who don't have the privilege of having parents around who help them through life." Thanks to $13,000 the event raised last year, 21 orphans were sponsored. Their education, health, food, shelter and other basic necessities were covered for a year, and Khan hopes the same amount and more will be raised again this year to support the same 21 children and perhaps some additional orphans. The event will showcase an annual update on each of the sponsored children, including letters and artwork sent by them. Fungama also includes activities such as sumo wrestling, musical chairs, potato sack races and tug-o-war, as part of the picnic and traditional volleyball tournament. Chai (tea) will be served and there will be henna art and face painting as well. Lunch and drinks will be provided for free by The Holy Grill food truck in addition to snacks and desserts, however, a minimum donation of $20 for each person is suggested, although not required. For more information, visit fungama.org. oakville.ca Are you an Oakville resident 50 or older? Help make Oakville more age-friendly! Oakville is taking steps to become a more agefriendly community where all residents can be active and engaged community members at every stage of life. In an age-friendly community, policies, programs, services and environments support and enable people to live and age safely, enjoy good health and stay involved. If you're 50 or older, visit oakville.ca to fill out the Age-friendly Needs Assessment Survey. The information you provide will help the town identify ways to more effectively meet the needs and priorities of older adults. Printed copies are also available at all town facilities and library branches. Visit oakville.ca and search "age-friendly" for more information. c, from the publi ck a b d e fe to s k Than it's d the survey so e v ro p im e 'v e w it. lete and subm easier to comp Crossing guard positions available The Town of Oakville is looking for residents who are interested in becoming a crossing guard. Join our team to: · · · · · Work close to home Ensure the safety of our children Spend a few hours outside each day Enjoy having holidays, summers and P.A. days off Get paid while offering a valuable service to our community Starting wage: $12.53/hr For more information visit oakville.ca and search "crossing guard."