Chipping in for a mighty cause ...

Thirty-three years ago seven American women living in Bahrain got together to form a group.

Their goal was to establish an organisation that would promote friendship, charity and cultural understanding.

Today, the American Women’s Association (AWA) is the longest-running organisation of its kind in the kingdom. It has more than 250 members, has raised hundreds of thousands of dinars for charity and has become an integral part of Bahrain’s social scene.

“It must have been very exciting for the women who formed the AWA in 1974 to have started something that has turned into such a significant organisation,” said AWA president Mona Omar, a Californian who has lived in Bahrain for the last 10 years.  “I’m sure they would be proud of what it is today.”

Over the past three decades the association has grown into an impressive institution with members from 30 countries and projects that range from charity drives to art groups.

Although exact figures are not available, the total amount raised by AWA over the years for local charities is enormous. One event alone last year – a biannual fun run called the Cherry Tree Trot – raised BD46,000.

“We’re extremely proud to have raised so much. There is so much talent and commitment in the group, and so much good has come out of it,” said Mona.

The AWA supports 32 local charities, ranging from educational trusts and cultural groups to organisations for the elderly and those with disabilities.

 “Over the years the association has become more community and service based,” explained vice-president Terry Millson who joined the group 19 years ago. “The women saw the opportunity of giving back to the country which has been their host. It’s a great organisation which is being shaped by the women behind it.” 

The women stress that the group welcomes all nationalities; only half the members are American. 

“We have such a diverse range of religions and nationalities,” said Terry. “It’s a small reflection of what Bahrain is.”

When Terry arrived in Bahrain 25 years ago from Washington, US, the AWA not only offered the opportunity to give back to the country which welcomed her, but to make friends.

“It gives you roots in a country you’re not from,” she explained. “The friendships that are formed are incredibly strong,” added Mona, “We’ve made life-long friendships through the AWA.”

For scores of women who arrive in an unfamiliar country, often without the opportunity to work, the organisation provides a way of meeting people and assimilating into a new community.   

“It’s a great way of meeting people and getting involved when our husbands are working and we’re not,” said AWA historian Verna Gilbert who arrived in Bahrain from Texas three years ago. “Being in AWA makes you feel part of Bahrain.

“For people who come here not knowing what to expect from living in the Middle East, it helps because you’re thrown in with the most loving and giving people. A highlight is being able to meet and work with women from all over the world. Everyone brings something different to the association.”

The social groups hosted by the AWA are diverse, incorporating everything from bridge clubs to kid’s parties and dinner groups where newcomers can meet new friends.

Some of their activities such as guided tours of Bahrain, where members are given the opportunity to explore Bahrain’s landmarks and cultural sites, have been taking place since 1974.

The AWA also provides a way of preserving traditions from home – children’s Halloween parties are held every year and the group is keen to bring back a Christmas Ball.

“We’ve all been given a good life here and we want to show our kids by example,” explained Terry.

Their calendar is filled with events that aim to promote international friendships and understanding between the group’s members and the host community.

But it is the AWA’s charity work that leaves its most profound mark. A team of volunteers quietly visits homes for the elderly and disabled every week and frequent fundraising drives are held to help those in need.

“It’s contagious when you do something good for people,” said Mona. “It’s heartening to help.”

The women also try to answer all the numerous requests they receive from other organisations for help.

“If it doesn’t fit within the framework of our constitution we find a way to make it work,” said Mona. “For instance we can’t send money outside Bahrain but we can send clothes and other supplies.”

Over the summer, the AWA organised a drive to provide support for more than 1,000 school children in Iraq. Backpacks filled with school supplies were gathered by members and sent to US marines who along with Iraqi army personnel distributed them at the schools.

“We try and join hands with other associations and groups,” explained Mona. Last week members attended a talk about breast cancer in support of the charity Think Pink.   

The association’s most important charitable event is the Cherry Tree Trot, which has been a key social fixture in Bahrain since the 1980s.

The event which will be held next February at the Bahrain International Circuit is likely to attract more than 2000 able bodied and disabled people who will run for charity.

Co-chair of the event, Iman Fouad thinks that there is every chance that the next Cherry Tree Trot will top the BD46,000 raised last year through corporate donations, sponsorship and raffles.

All AWA members pull together for the event which not only helps dozens of local charities but allows the community services provided by the AWA to continue. Thirty-three years after the association was formed, the AWA is now the biggest and strongest its ever been.

“We feel we’re on the up, membership is up and we’re very proud of our achievements,” said Mona. “Our plan is to keep the momentum going and see the AWA going strong for another 33 years.”