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CARING siblings Noora and Mohammed Al Haddad are staging a unique charity art exhibition at the Al Haddad Motors showroom today to raise funds for children with cancer and highlight the work of local artists, writes Charlie Holding.
The event, which revs into action from 9.30pm at the Mercedes-Benz showroom in Isa Town, will display pieces from children aged four to 14 battling the disease who are receiving treatment at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC). The exhibition will also feature a colouring event for kids and prizes will be presented.
The funds raised by the event will be donated to Bahrain Deaf Society and the Bahrain Dream Society. The event is organised by Creó Innovative Solutions and sponsored by Al Haddad Motors as part of its corporate social responsibility programme and in the spirit of Ramadan.
Creó Innovative Solutions managing director Noora, 29, said: “My brother Mohammed is my best friend, I look up to him and we work together a lot.
“We came up with the idea of this event together – to use art to help children, because art unites people. It blends the barriers and differences just like an artist would blend different colours on his palette.
“Our friend Ahmed Zayer, a professional photographer, inspired us by discussing his experience in charity events and he suggested we organise a charity event too.
“Personally, I needed to feel that I had a proper purpose to be here… and I can safely say that making a difference in others’ lives and drawing a smile on someone’s face, particularly a child, is it for me.
“I’ve spent some time on the cancer ward with these children and they are an inspiration; so strong, so determined. It really helps put things in perspective when you see these kids, you realise how small your own problems really are.
“We want to raise awareness that we are all the same and have the same basic needs, wishes and fears.”
Weeks before the exhibition, the siblings visited the children at the hospital with bags full of art supplies and asked them to draw their dream ‘something’ and were delighted with the response.
Mohammed, 26, an offshore banker with BBK, hopes that the exhibition will bring people together as one big family for a common good and also raise a minimum of BD5,000 for the cause, something he holds dear to his heart.
He said: “We have a history of cancer in our family and most people in Bahrain and around the world have experienced the pain and loss of someone dear due to cancer or witnessed the challenges faced by being disabled in one way or another.
“I think it’s amazing that so many artists are donating their work, some have relatives that have passed away from cancer so they’re very passionate about the cause too.
“We wanted to do something that has an impact on society and get people from all walks of life to come together for a common good. My sister and I co-organised the event but it wouldn’t be possible without the help of all the volunteers who have donated their time, the artists who have donated their talent and Al Haddad Motors for letting us borrow the showroom.”
More than 40 local artists are donating their work for the cause including Abbas Al Mosawi, Mohsen Al Taitoon, Noof Al Refaei, Uzma Dadabhai, Ahmed Zayer, Amina Al Abbasi, Suhaila Bin Rajab, Shaikha Badriya Al Khalifa, Shaikha Latifa Al Khalifa, Mayasa, Ibrahim Khalifa, Sara Al Salman and Alaa Adel.
Artists from the Bahrain Deaf Society will also be exhibiting their work, which includes paintings and ceramics.
Mohsen Al Taitoon, a prominent ceramic artist in Bahrain and head of the society’s art committee, said: “Ramadan is a time for giving and coming together to help people less fortunate. This event is a great way to do that and it is also the first time some of our artists have exhibited their work, which gives them a great starting point for the future.
“Some of my work will be on display too. The money raised goes to people who really need it and we should all support each other.”
Dr Hussain Mukharaq, who works on the paediatric oncology ward at SMC, believes the event is a great way to help disadvantaged children emotionally too.
He said: “People should visit the exhibition because the children’s work helps them deal with their feelings about the hospital, doctors and the condition. It’s therapeutic for them, an outlet to get it all out.
“This event is a worthy cause and will offer an insight into the mindset of children suffering with the disease and, hopefully, create more awareness.”
More than 100 paintings are being sold at the event, ranging from around BD30 to BD500. There will also be a donation box in case visitors want to donate to the cause rather than purchase the artwork. One of the paintings will be offered as a prize in a raffle draw.
The event runs until midnight and is open to all.
