Stepping up the effort

Active City Walkers are stepping out for a good cause in support of the Bahrain City Centre ‘Make a Difference this Ramadan’ community campaign.

GulfWeekly is once again backing the mall’s initiative, which encourages customers to donate everyday items that many people take for granted such as clothing, books, eye glasses and perishable food.

A special collection box has been placed behind the customer service desk to allow shoppers and readers to lend a helping hand to the needy.

Members of the City Walkers, which is comprised of people between the ages of 17 to 70 looking to get fit, have been making regular donation drops in between their workout routines.

The group, which now boasts more than 3,000 members, have been following in the footsteps of City Walkers’ founder and health professional, Paul Hamblin, 43, from Arad.

Mr Hamblin, who has a military background and is knowledgeable in health club management, has also been an avid donor to the campaign.

He said: “I think this is a great campaign especially during Ramadan as this is the time to show goodwill. We walk and exercise every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, so having the collection box on display is handy.

“I always see someone dropping stuff off either before or after the session. Personally, I have donated books and clothing. I am pretty confident that the box will be completely full by the end of Ramadan.”

Regular walker Flo Richardson, 67, has been donating goods three-times-a-week in conjunction with her workout. The housewife, from Seef, said: “I have been taking part in City Walkers since its inception. It is fun, great exercise and you get to meet a lot of lovely people.

“The Bahrain City Centre initiative is fantastic and is such a worthy cause. I have been making donations every year alongside City Walkers. It’s great for ridding your closets and drawers of items that you either do not use anymore or grew out of.”

Her friend and walking buddy Kay Sarin, 69, from Juffair, recently made her last donation at the mall as she is leaving Bahrain for good.
 
Mrs Sarin said: “I have been coming to City Walkers for nearly two-and-a-half years and because of it I have met a lovely bunch of people and my social life was fabulous. The kingdom and its people will forever be dear to me. This is such a great cause that I could not have left without taking part in it.”

Aside from the walkers, the mall’s retailers have also been extending their support by encouraging donations from their staff or from surplus stock.

The chic and stylish Karen Millen store, one of the retailers under the multi-trading business umbrella of Remza Investment Group, donated 10 dresses to the initiative that will no doubt come in handy during Eid celebrations.

Rabab Mubarak, territory sales manager representing Karen Millen, said: “I think this event is truly touching and wonderful. I have seen a lot of people participating in it every day and it has grown since last year.

“I hope that the women make good use of the dresses and I’m sure they will look beautiful for Eid.”

Staff members from The Body Shop also made generous contributions. Marilou Samson, the store’s sales associate, said: “Employees from all the branches in Bahrain have donated items. This is a fantastic charity event where items we don’t use or need can benefit others.”

Apparel Group, which carries different fashion lines, donated clothing from Aerpostale and Bench.

Mansoor Sayed, Apparel’s sales and operations manager, said: “We donated clothing such as shirts and jeans from our trendy Aerpostale and Bench stores. It’s a very good initiative and it’s a great way to help others. We are thrilled to be a part of such a campaign.”

Other managers and staff members such as those working with the Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre also took part in the campaign.

Goods donated will be sorted for distribution by members of the Al Noor Charity Welfare Society, the renowned charity champions who have been supporting those in need throughout the kingdom for more than 15 years.

The society was founded by its president Shaikha Lamia bint Mohammed Al Khalifa to provide funding for educational and medical purposes to those in need alongside other initiatives.