The previously scheduled strikers meal turned celebration took place at Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) headquarters, and came about in part at the suggestion of Rev. C.J. Hawking, executive director of Arise Chicago, an anti-poverty group of diverse religious communities and leaders that advocates for “God’s justice in the workplace.” Demir is an Arise ex-officio board member.
"We forget that around the world teachers are revered, unlike our experience," said Maria Moreno, CTU Financial Secretary, who presented Demir to the partaking teachers.
Demir also thanked the parents and more than 300,000 children of the nation’s third largest public school system for standing with teachers “to live a dignified life.”
The support dinner follows on Zakat Foundation’s increased advocacy for locally vulnerable people in the Chicagoland area, where its headquarters is located. This includes sponsorship of anti-violence programs, funding STEAM education courses, and providing back-to-school backpacks and school supplies for children. Zakat Foundation also holds November turkey giveaways for hundreds of families in need.
Zakat Foundation plans to promote its local advocacy for the vulnerable nationwide.