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GULFWEEKLY readers are being urged to open their hearts and lend the needy a helping hand during Ramadan by backing a month-long campaign that aims to make a difference.
Your campaigning community newspaper has once again linked up with Bahrain City Centre (BCC) to back the mall’s initiative which will encourage customers to donate everyday items from this weekend such as clothing, books and eye glasses.
More than 3,955 items were collected during last year’s ‘Make a Difference this Ramadan’ campaign, which also included donations of mobile phones. This year, the donations appeal will include non-perishable food instead of telecom equipment.
A special collection box will be placed in the mall as soon as Ramadan officially starts, to allow big-hearted supporters to donate items many of us take for granted but that could make all the difference to a family struggling to make ends meet.
“The campaign underscores Bahrain City Centre’s commitment to giving back to the community and embraces the spirit of charity during the holy month of Ramadan,” said Duaij Khalifa Al Rumaihi, senior mall manager. “We will also be hosting a variety of unique entertainment and interactive activities for the entire family at our Ramadan village.
“With extended operating hours, Bahrain City Centre is the ideal place to spend time this Ramadan with friends and family and enjoy Iftar, Suhour and the variety of activities in the mall.”
The aim is to build on last year’s successful joint campaign while continuing to spread the message of giving and that’s where readers can step in again. GulfWeekly Editor Stan Szecowka said: “We always receive a tremendous response from readers to our community campaigns and I’m positive we can make a real difference this time too.”
Campaign organisers have teamed up with Al Noor Charity Welfare Society to support needy families in Bahrain.
The society was founded in 1997 by its president Shaikha Lamia bint Mohammed Al Khalifa along with nine others.
The charity provides funding for educational and medical purposes to those in need alongside other initiatives such as helping to rebuild homes and caring for the elderly in the community.
Shaikha Lamia said: “We’d like to thank BCC and GulfWeekly for their support and the donated clothing and eye glasses in particular will be truly welcomed. We will be distributing all these items to individuals and families on our books.
“As for the non-perishable food, trucks filled with the donations will make their way to our society HQ every Sunday to be distributed to needy families throughout the kingdom.”
Shaikha Lamia is also delighted that the charity will be able to have a stand in BCC to give out information about its work to passing shoppers as well as donation boxes covering the various categories of services offered.
