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Inspire Umrah 2026

From November 13 to November 22, 2026 Inspire volunteers will embark on a spiritually transformative journey to Makkah and Madinah, accompanying Syrian and Uyghur refugee orphans and their guardians, primarily widowed mothers residing in Turkiye, on their long-awaited Umrah pilgrimage.

Highlights

  • Location: Makkah & Madinah, Saudi Arabia
  • Fundraising Target: CAD $5,000 per volunteer
  • Registration Fee: CAD $850 (non-refundable, required upon acceptance into the program)

Program Requirements

The Inspire Umrah Volunteer Program seeks participants with the following qualities:

  • Over 18 years of age
  • Able to attend orientation sessions and all required training
  • Deep respect for the sacred nature of Umrah and the Islamic rituals involved
  • A sincere interest in humanitarian work and global service
  • Strong leadership skills and teamwork capabilities
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Empathy and cultural sensitivity, particularly in supporting vulnerable populations
  • Flexibility, maturity, and the ability to adapt in new environments

Background

This Inspire Umrah initiative is a unique expression of Islamic Relief Canada's commitment to serving the most vulnerable with dignity and compassion. This year, volunteers will support orphaned children and their guardians, many of whom are widows from Turkiye, by helping make their dream of completing Umrah a reality.


In many cases, these families have faced significant loss, trauma, and economic hardship. This journey to the holy cities is not only a spiritual milestone but a healing experience for these families. Your participation and fundraising will directly cover the Umrah expenses of one orphan and their guardian, enabling them to experience spiritual renewal, hope, and connection.

Check out a previous volunteer's experience! 


Main Activities

During this sacred journey, volunteers will:

  • Accompany and assist orphans and their guardians during the Umrah pilgrimage
  • Support logistical coordination and ensure the comfort and safety of participants
  • Create moments of connection and care through group reflections, supplications, and bonding activities
  • Engage in spiritual mentorship, helping young participants understand and appreciate the rituals of Umrah
  • Reflect as a group on the meaning of service, sacrifice, and compassion in Islam

Cultural and Spiritual Immersion

 
Volunteers will experience a deeply spiritual and personal journey through visits to the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah. This includes:

  • Performing Umrah alongside orphan families
  • Visiting historical Islamic sites in the area. 
  • Engaging in daily group reflections and spiritual reminders to enhance personal growth and connection to faith

Benefits of Volunteer Abroad Trip

The Inspire program aims to provide volunteers with a unique and eye-opening experience, where they immerse themselves in a completely different context than they are normally accustomed to. This program encompasses the “give and take” principle; it is an opportunity to give back to vulnerable communities overseas whilst learning and growing skills in an enriching environment.

The Inspire experience continues beyond the volunteer abroad trip. Following the trip abroad, each volunteer will be required to complete a Passion Project, providing an opportunity to apply their learning and turn their experience into meaningful action within their community.

Volunteers who successfully complete all components of the Inspire program may also receive a CPD certificate, a globally recognized leadership development credential.

Upon completion of the program, letters of reference are available to participants upon request.

We also encourage Inspire alumni to continue their humanitarian journey by staying involved with Islamic Relief Canada and exploring opportunities to volunteer and contribute to meaningful humanitarian efforts beyond the program.


Fundraising Process

Each participant is required to raise a minimum of CAD $5,000, which will go directly toward covering the cost of Umrah for an orphan and their guardian.

Volunteers will be supported through:

  • Personalized fundraising coaching
  • Tips for community engagement
  • Digital tools and templates for outreach

Please note, none of the donations raised will be used for the volunteer’s personal travel or expenses.

Accommodations & Costs

Islamic Relief Canada will cover:

  • Accommodation during the trip
  • Ground transportation within Saudi Arabia
  • Group meals and organized group activities


Volunteers are responsible for:

  • Flights to and from Saudi Arabia
  • Mandatory health and travel insurance
  • Personal expenses not related to group logistics

Pre-Trip Training

All accepted participants must complete mandatory pre-departure training, which includes:

  • Orientation to Islamic Relief Canada’s values and humanitarian work
  • Fundraising strategy and planning
  • Group bonding and spiritual preparation
  • Cultural etiquette and expectations in Saudi Arabia
  • Health, safety, and travel protocols

Training will consist of 2-3 sessions (approximately 2 hours each). Full attendance is required.