SXU’s SJP hosted a dodgeball tournament to raise money for the Zakat Foundation in the Shannon Center on Friday, March 31st. The tournament took place from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. The cost was $15 per player ages 18 to 25. Teams were required to wear same color shirts and have a minimum of eight, and maximum of ten, players per team.
The Zakat Foundation is a Muslim-run charity organization based in the U.S. since 2001. This organization offers several programs such as food, aid, shelter, and orphan sponsorships.
SXU’s SJP took on the United Nations Relief Work Agency and the Zakat Foundation’s campaign, Rebuild Gaza Home by Home, which rebuilds homes for Palestinian families who have lost there’s by war. “This year, we took on [these programs] to give hope to the Palestinian families afflicted by war a chance at a better life!” said Sana Odeh, SXU’s SJP president.
In an interview with the Xavierite, Odeh explained that the idea of organizing the dodgeball tournament was brought up during Fall 2016. She added that SJP’s mission was to spread awareness of Palestine and to take action to help the cause.
In addition to the dodgeball tournament, attendees were able to play bubble ball soccer. There was a trophy and medals for the winning team. “This event was just a relaxed, but fun, way to spend a Friday night for a good cause! Since this was our first tournament, we did manage to get 5 teams to compete and hopefully we can tackle bigger projects as we grow as an organization!” said Odeh.
A total of $1,500 was raised during the tournament and was donated to the Zakat Foundation. This amount will rebuild an entire home in Gaza for Palestinian families.
Odeh concluded by inviting SXU students to join SJP. “We always welcome new members, any student could join SJP, no matter what their background is, as long as they advocate for justice and are looking for a way to expand their knowledge on social justice issues and share their insight!”
For more information about the campaign, you may contact SXU’s SJP directly by email at sjpsaintxavier@gmail.com or visit the website by clicking here. You may also follow SXU’s SJP in all social media platforms.
Miryam Villarreal
Senior News Editor