Manitoba Muslims encouraged to donate to food bank during fast

While former Winnipeg Blue Bomber ObbyKhan is fasting during the month of Ramadan, he'll also be raising money for Winnipeg's largest food bank.

• Muslim Winnipeggers launch Give 30 campaign

Khan and Winnipeg Harvest kicked off their annual Give 30 campaign Thursday.

It encourages Muslims and all Manitobans to donate to Harvest during Ramadan, which is June 18 to July 16 this year.

Khan said it's an important time for people in the community to remember charity.

"During the month, we fast from sunrise to sunset. We don't eat or drink anything. What are you doing with all the money you're saving? You're not eating out, you're not getting Tim Hortons. All that money you save, why not give it to charity where it should go?" he said.

"You're understanding the plight of hungry people. I mean go from sunrise to sunset without eating or drinking, you'll be like, 'Oh my God, this is what it feels like to be hungry.' And there's no other choice but to want to help the hungry."

Khan said the Give 30 campaign has raised $250,000 for Winnipeg Harvest in the four years since it started.