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This year the ‘Make a Difference this Ramadan’ community campaign in Bahrain will be working in conjunction with Awali Thrift Shop.
The renowned facility has been functioning for 43 years and continually makes it a priority to support those in need throughout the kingdom.
A huge collection box will be located at Bahrain City Centre on the ground floor near the customer service desk and all collected items will be forwarded to Awali Thrift Shop for distribution.
Fatima Al Ansari is chairperson of the Awali Ladies’ group which runs the charitable enterprise. She said: “We are very happy to be a part of this great Ramadan drive.
“The main aim of Awali Thrift Shop is to help the needy and we are proud to say that we have achieved that in our 40 years of service to the people.
“I am very sure once again in this Holy Month of Ramadan we will all be able to come forward and help the needy together.”
The thrift shop is known as the house of good causes. Based at number 509B, it is tucked in the middle of the sprawling Bapco compound and for decades has been selling a range of items from books to bags, shoes, clothes, household goods and children’s games.
It continues to donate thousands of dinars to local charities from the thrift shop earnings alone and supports charities like Helping Hands, Bahrain Mobility, BSPCA, RIA, Hope Institute and Bahrain Cancer Society to name but a few.
The thrift shop was the brainchild of a group of expatriate women living on the compound and was actively supported by the then chief executive’s wife, Roma Hepburn.
The aim was to gather donations and sell them on at reduced prices to low income families, labourers and domestic help, consequently generating money to help charitable organisations in the kingdom.
As well as promoting the charity initiative, Bahrain City Centre will also display a Ramadan-themed Quran gallery throughout the sacred period, while reflecting on the cultural trend of the Holy Month.
Located in the Dome, adjacent to the mall’s Lakeland, the photo gallery will showcase the different names of Allah and host a display of Qurans in various languages.
The display will be in the mall from August 1 to 29. A professional Henna artist will be located around the gallery from 8.30pm to 10.30pm daily, and shoppers will also get the chance to hold and get their picture taken with a falcon. Additionally, Bahrain City Centre will be treating customers to traditional Gahwa and dates at the mall entrances, daily from 8.30pm to 10.30pm.
On the 15th day of Ramadan the mall will play host to its own Gergaoun evening – traditionally a day when children can dress up in time-honoured outfits and visit homes of families to collect little giveaways of almonds and candy.
Throughout the day a traditional Fraysa ‘Man Horse’ will visit the mall and a band will play traditional instruments.
