Meet Intisar El Houjairy, a volunteer leader in Calgary, Alberta
Across Canada, volunteers and volunteer leaders are helping to grow awareness and support for Mary's Meals in their schools, churches, workplaces and communities.
Interview with Intisar El Houjairy, a medical student at the University of Calgary and volunteer leader for Mary's Meals
Why did you choose Mary's Meals?
I chose to volunteer with Mary's Meals 4 and a half years ago because its mission deeply resonated with my own experiences and values. Growing up as an immigrant, I became aware from a young age that access to basic necessities, like food and education, is not something everyone can take for granted. I saw how easily people experiencing displacement or hardship could become "othered," despite facing circumstances beyond their control. Those experiences shaped my understanding of how something as fundamental as a meal can restore dignity, opportunity, and hope.
Education has been one of the greatest opportunities in my own life, and many members of my team feel the same way. As students and young professionals, we've experienced firsthand how education can open doors, create opportunities, and empower people to shape their futures. That's why Mary's Meals' mission resonates so strongly with us. By providing a daily school meal, the organization removes one of the biggest barriers to education, giving children the chance not only to learn, but to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Knowing that something so simple can create such lasting change is what inspired me to establish the first Calgary team and continue supporting this mission.
How often do you and your team meet?
We don't follow a rigid meeting schedule. While we generally aim to connect about once a month when planning initiatives, there are periods where we meet less frequently, and that's intentional. Our team is made up of students and young professionals with busy and often unpredictable schedules. I've always wanted volunteering to fit into people's lives rather than become another obligation, so that they can focus on the work that matters. I believe that flexibility allows everyone to contribute in ways that are meaningful and sustainable, creating a team culture where people participate because they genuinely want to make a difference.
What variety of fundraisers and advocacy events have you organized?
Since founding the Calgary team, we've organized and supported a variety of fundraising and awareness initiatives, including volunteering at the annual Basketball Bonanza charity game (featuring the Calgary Fire and Police departments), organizing bake sales, community market events, school and community outreach, and social media advocacy campaigns. Alongside fundraising, we focus on sharing the story behind Mary's Meals, by raising awareness about global food insecurity and the powerful connection between nutrition and education. All together, the Calgary-based Mary’s Meals efforts have raised more than $21,500, helping provide school meals and sponsor a school in Zambia for two years.
If you'd like to learn more about volunteering for Mary's Meals, or organizing a volunteer team in your area, please get in touch so we can support your ideas!