Generosity at the gala

At the Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation’s (OZCF) fund-raising gala "Magic and Sparkles” attended by over 400 Parsi and Iranian guests, "the true moment of electricity happened when a member rose after dinner and announced his family’s one million dollar gift (CAD amounting to Rs 5,07,23,807)” for the proposed atash kadeh, wrote Phil Sidhwa, chair, Place of Worship Advisory Committee (PWAC), giving a detailed account of the campaign. "Greeted by a standing ovation, the guests were further elated when another guest rose almost immediately afterward to commit $500,000. Donations of $100,000, $50,000, $25,000 and many of lesser amounts were all graciously accepted as the long lines formed to make contributions… We raised an amazing $ 2.24 million (Rs 11,42,40,000) on one night… In fact, donations continue to pour in as news of the fund-raising campaign to raise three million CAD (Rs 15,21,71,421) for the proposed atash kadeh begins to travel,” added Sidhwa.
The unexpected generosity witnessed on June 17, 2016 at the Oakville Convention Centre made Sidhwa comment, "This is truly a reflection of the passion of caring Zoroastrians to keep their faith alive and sustain our religion in North America for future generations. The Zoroastrian Society of Ontario as well as our Iranian community wholeheartedly supports this project… We hope it encourages others worldwide to help us get to the finish line.” Those interested in being major donors, patrons, memory donors or monthly supporters can contact philsidhwa@ozcf.com or marzibyramjee@ozcf.com
Since over 5,000 Zoroastrians, the largest pocket in North America, reside within the 60 km radius of Greater Toronto Area, the OZCF plans to build an atash kadeh/agiary with a consecrated atash adarian fire on the site of the 10 acre property that they own in Oakville, a suburb of Toronto. As part of the first phase, they will build a consecrated atash kadeh to accommodate an atash dadgah fire. It will be equipped with a Yasnagah and Bareshnum facilities to ordain priests and perform the higher liturgical ceremonies and elaborate prayers such as Vendidad and Yasna. In the second phase a consecrated atash adarian will be enthroned, tended by a full-time mobed. They consider themselves blessed that they have the largest number of ordained priests in North America. OZCF was founded in 2002 and since 2004 they have been raising funds to purchase the land. For the last three years they have been debt free, notes their website.

Future plans for this property include a "complete, self sustaining complex devoted to ensuring Zoroastrianism thrives in North America.” They have set aside 40,000 sq ft for a senior citizens retirement complex with medical and health support services; an enlarged banquet hall and cultural center covering 15,000 sq ft; a Zoroastrian library, museum and educational center; revenue generating commercial and office building with ground floor retail space spread over 70,000 sq ft; plus recreation facilities and green space; all these powered by renewable energy. "The town of Oakville has already zoned the land appropriately to allow for the needed mutli-purpose use, once municipal services are installed,” noted Sidhwa.
"By creating a dedicated space where our children can learn more about their heritage and be grounded in their religion, we are also creating a place of pride where they can show friends and those of other faiths and beliefs their place in the world,” declared Sidhwa giving credit to the "tireless efforts of the PWAC members, our many subcommittee volunteers and entire community in planning this project over the past four years.” As he summed up, "There is a fire within all of us to see this consecrated atash kadeh built.”
Specified Sidhwa, "Every­one will be welcome into the atash kadeh, subject to following certain customs, conduct and etiquette. This is a house of Ahura Mazda, open to all, a place to feel God’s universal presence, to experience spiritual peace, to worship and join a community in prayer. The inner sanctum sanctorum (kebla) will be restricted to ordained priests only… (It) will be the only place outside of India and Iran where Zoroastrian priests will be able to train and be ordained.”