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SHOPPERS and visitors to one of Bahrain’s most popular malls are being urged to ‘make a difference’ once more during the holy month by supporting a stunningly successful regional community initiative.
Majid Al Futtaim, the owner of City Centre Bahrain, has launched its 11th annual campaign which encourages the act of giving during Ramadan.
“Each year we aim to raise the number of contributions collected, calling on our guests to contribute to their communities, sharing in the spirit of Ramadan and taking part in our vision of creating great moments for everyone, every day,” said Duaij Al Rumaihi, senior mall manager, City Centre Bahrain.
Special donation boxes have been placed at all its 19 shopping malls, leisure and entertainment destinations and Carrefour stores across Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Oman and the UAE.
The aim is to promote kindness and make a difference through the donation of everyday essentials. Donated items can include clothes, toys, books, non-perishable food items and electronics, which the organisers say will help families in need ‘experience the spirit of the holy month’.
The campaign will continue into Eid and locally support the endeavours of the Islamic Association in Bahrain, ensuring timely and appropriate distribution of all donated goods through its network.
Last year, more than 13,000 people contributed more than 63,000 books, 46,500 toys, and 52,000 kilograms of clothes through the campaign and the company also received $84,868 in cash donations from customers.
City Centre Bahrain will also host events and special gatherings throughout the holy month. The mall will be transformed to mark the spirit of Ramadan, with decorations celebrating traditional Arabic hospitality aimed at creating an atmosphere of peace and togetherness.
During the evenings, visitors can enjoy traditional Arabic coffee ‘Gahwa’ and delicious dates, as well as live entertainment featuring an Oud player.
The mall’s popular Gergaoun festivity will take place on June 12 from 9pm until midnight. Visitors, especially children, are encouraged to come dressed in traditional colourful Arabic jalabiyas and thobes. The Fraisah, a traditional horseman figure of the festival accompanied by a live band with drums, will play traditional Gergaoun songs, leading visitors around the mall. All are invited to sing along and collect bags of sweets provided by participating retailers.
During the holy month, City Centre Bahrain will follow extended closing timings, opening at 10am and closing at 1am during the first 20 days of Ramadan and 2am during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Readers can also follow the campaign on social media by using the #ShareTogether hashtag on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. For more information, please visit: www.Facebook.com/CityCentreBahrain or www.citycentrebahrain.com. Also watch the 2016 Gergaoun event at https://youtu.be/2ISJPFqunY
