At IPOP, we believe in combining the joy of pickleball with opportunities to give back. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) as one of the proud sponsors of our upcoming DUPRXpress Round-Robin. FOCUS’s mission to provide disaster relief and long-term recovery aligns perfectly with our goal of building inclusive communities, both on and off the court.
Focus Humanitarian (FOCUS)
What is Focus Humanitarian Assistance?
Founded in 1994 by the Aga Khan Development Network, FOCUS assists marginalized communities in becoming more resilient to both natural and artificial disasters. Their work centers on preparedness and prevention, emergency relief and recovery, and rebuilding and resettlement after crises.
As Moez Janmohamed, IPOP co-founder and long-time FOCUS supporter, explains, “FOCUS was created to help the world’s most vulnerable communities not just recover but rebuild sustainably.”
FOCUS focuses on three main areas to assist people in need.
The Ismaili Connection
FOCUS’s mission is deeply rooted in the Ismaili Muslim community’s values, which emphasize service (known as seva) and compassionate action. Moez shares, “As Ismailis, we are encouraged to assist those around us to improve their quality of life, especially in marginalized communities.” This ethos of helping others, regardless of background, drives FOCUS’s global efforts.
Moez recalls how and why he became a FOCUSStar in 1994, committing to regular donations to support the cause. “Over 90% of funds donated go directly to the cause,” he adds, highlighting FOCUS’s commitment to ensuring donations make a real impact.
The Ismailis try to assist people in need and improve the quality of life for others.
FOCUS’s Impact Around the World
From Tajikistan’s mountains to Pakistan’s flood-stricken regions, FOCUS has made a global difference. During the 2022 floods in Pakistan, for instance, FOCUS worked with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) to evacuate over 8,000 people and provide essential supplies.
FOCUS also emphasizes disaster prevention and public education. In Canada, they’ve raised awareness through emergency preparedness kit checklists, one of which we’ll have on display at the DUPRXpress Round-Robin!
In addition, through the Ready When the Time Comes program, FOCUS has trained hundreds of volunteers in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross to respond to crises like wildfires and floods.
FOCUS offers a free emergency preparedness kit checklist.
Why FOCUS’s Work is So Important
Disasters—both natural and man-made—are becoming more frequent and severe, with the most vulnerable communities suffering the most. As Moez notes, “Natural disasters due to climate change are one of the leading causes of suffering worldwide.”
FOCUS alleviates this suffering by providing immediate relief and long-term recovery. They also offer mental health support, youth mentorship, and skill-building initiatives to help communities rebuild stronger. “FOCUS isn’t just about handing out supplies,” Moez says. “It’s about restoring lives and building sustainable resilience.”
FOCUS is a proud sponsor of the DUPRXpress Round-robin.
Supporting FOCUS Through the DUPRXpress Round-Robin
Just like FOCUS is more than handing out supplies, the DUPRXpress Round-Robin isn’t only about pickleball—it’s about giving back. A portion of the Round-robin’s proceeds will support Focus Humanitarian Assistance and its vital work. “Pickleball is an inclusive sport, and inclusivity is one of FOCUS’s core values,” Moez explains. “This partnership made perfect sense.”
Join us at Robert Burnaby Park on Saturday, September 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for fun, great food, and amazing pickleball action.
A huge thank you to everyone who signed up for the DUPRXpress Round-Robin—we’re officially sold out! Over 60 players signed up to join IPOPs DUPR club and play mixed doubles games to get their official DUPR number. It’s going to be a fun, competitive, great day!
Even if you didn’t secure a spot, you can still be part of the excitement by cheering on the players and enjoying some delicious BBQ.
Plus, you can learn how to warm up properly and prevent injury from Andrea Conti, an elite personal trainer at Sandcastle 24hr Fitness Club, so you can keep playing pickleball for years to come! He’ll be on at 8:30 a.m., and then the pickleball action starts at 9:00 a.m.
Hope to see you there!
A Worthy Cause Deserving Your Support
Can’t make it to the event but would like to help out FOCUS’ worthy causes? You can support FOCUS by donating directly here. Every bit helps communities rebuild and become more resilient.
FOCUS is more than just an organization—it’s a lifeline for communities devastated by disasters. As Moez emphasizes, “The satisfaction of helping rebuild lives is indescribable. You can experience that too by supporting FOCUS and becoming part of the change.”
Donate to Focus Humanitarian to help.
Whether you’re playing in the Round-robin or cheering from the sidelines, your involvement supports a cause that’s changing lives. Together, we can rally to support FOCUS and make a real difference in the world.
