In 2020, Toronto resident Ala’a Adib’s life changed forever, for both the good and the bad.
That’s when she lost her younger brother Adan Dubet, to gun violence, just six days after his 21st birthday.
Since then, the 32-year-old has dedicated her entire life to giving back to others through community work, just like he did.
“Smile for Sache was inspired by him. He was incredibly generous and believed in helping others. Before his passing, Adan donated $2,000 from his savings to build a school in Somalia. His passing ignited a passion in myself and the entire community to come together and address the pressing issues in an effort to create meaningful change,” Adib told Now Toronto.
The name Smile for Sache carries an important meaning. That’s because in Islam, smiling at someone is known as a great act of charity and ”Sache” was Adan’s nickname growing up. He was also known to have an infectious grin on his face all the time.
According to the non-profit organization’s website, Smile for Sache’s number one goal is to serve people and communities who need it the most.
And since its inception, it’s been doing just that.
During the holy month of Ramadan, the organization aims to provide more than 5,000 meals, after already handing out over 8,000 since starting the “Feed the Fasting” initiative in 2021.
“Feed the Fasting stands as our flagship program, entirely driven by our community. This heartfelt initiative started in 2021, as a way to give back to loved ones we have lost. The act of giving is rooted in Islamic tradition where honouring through prayer and donation is paramount,” Adib said.
“Each Ramadan, we are privileged to provide hot meals to those in need within our community, including newcomers, elderly, those in shelters. This program is fully funded and driven by the community, offering various ways for individuals to engage, whether through donation, volunteering and more.”
And even with the hustle and bustle of it all, Adan is never too far away from the cause, and in the hearts of those behind it.
“When my brother passed away, the community united to honour his memory and support one another.”
Adib describes her brother as a remarkable young man, who had dreams to become a lawyer which was motivated by his desire to create equal representation in the justice system.
“His commitment to advocacy and representation started at a young age, when he had his first encounter with law enforcement at 13 years old, and he knew immediately that he wanted to amplify the voices of those often marginalized and overlooked,” she said.
Adan was studying law at the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) when he died. That’s why Smile for Sache also has an award in his memory called the Adan Dubet Law School Award that seeks to “remind every Black youth to dream big and for each one to teach one.”
Along with that, the organization has distributed over 100 personal hygiene kits across Toronto, donated 100 winter jackets and 300 care kits to those in need (including emergency sleeping bags, socks, toothbrushes, hats and gloves).
The group has even held retreat getaways for youth and mothers in need of some rejuvenation and relaxation.
For Adib, taking care of her people runs in her blood, and she has one woman to thank.
“My mother has always been an advocate, instilling in us the values of giving back, doing right by others and championing positivity. These traits shaped my brother and I, and I am forever grateful.”
