A warm gesture

Community groups aim to continue spreading plenty of New Year goodwill across the island with a series of charitable initiatives, writes Julia Cassano.

Warm clothing, meals and blankets have been distributed in recent days and donations are still coming in to help those struggling to make ends meet.

OneHeartBahrain, an unregistered not-for-profit charity group, for example, has launched its Winter Campaign, which aims to provide labourers with warm clothing and meals as the weather cools down.

“The labourers we are supporting have no spare cash for anything, which is why our initiatives are so meaningful,” founder Birthe van der Heijden told GulfWeekly.

While describing the Winter Campaign as its ‘most important one’, Birthe explained that community contributions are a vital source of support and help workers navigate the cold season.

New as well as second-hand clothing items in good condition are much appreciated.

“We encourage people to donate coats, jackets, hats, scarves, gloves, jumpers and long-sleeve tops,” she said, adding that their impact is not just about physical warmth, but reaffirming values of individuals who are going through rough times.

“Collective support makes a difference, and easing their burden while also inspiring them to persevere despite difficult circumstances, bridges the gap within a community,” she added.

Donations dropped off at Bahrain Rugby Football Club in Janabiya until January 17 will be distributed by volunteers.

The Pakistani Women’s Association (PWA), a registered charitable organisation, also extended its big-hearted assistance across the island to labourers and workers as part of its annual Winter Drive campaign.

“With this campaign, we aimed to bring ease and warmth into people’s lives during the colder months,” PWA president Shahmeen Islam said.

The group worked hard to collect funds from generous individuals in the kingdom to cover the costs for new sweaters, jackets, socks and beanies and the items were distributed to labourers in several camps.

“I have always believed that when an individual has the opportunity to help another person, they should,” said Shahmeen, highlighting the importance of community effort.

She added that giving back has the power to positively impact the lives of individuals and communities.

The PWA team distributed the items on New Year’s day to welcome 2024 with a good deed. Shahmeen and the PWA’s vice president Wajeeha Zarar have been leading the initiative for the past three years.

“Whether it’s contributing towards the education of students, organising ‘food drives’ or mentoring the youth, we aim to bring joy and ease the lives of deserving individuals across the island,” Shahmeen added.

For the past 25 years, the PWA has been continuously supporting the needy and underprivileged, while simultaneously helping to unite the kingdom’s community.

Likewise, the Rotary Club of Salmaniya extended its warmth and compassion by providing winter jackets and blankets to orphaned children.

The club is part of an international service organisation aiming to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace around the world.

Members also initiated a community service programme that distributed warm meals in villages across the island.

“Ensuring the well-being of orphaned children and others in the community is a cause close to our hearts,” Rotary Club of Salmaniya’s president Khalid Alqoud said.

“Through these initiatives, we aim to provide warmth, comfort and a sense of security during the colder months.”

In addition, non-registered charity group the Light of Kindness, which claims to have touched the lives of 50,000 people in Bahrain through goodwill campaigns, has been busy again in recent days.

The group distributed gifts, water and other necessities to a labour camp in the Salmaniya area on Monday to start the New Year in a positive way.

“It’s our way of giving back to the community – to help make a difference,” Light of Kindness’ founder Syed Haneef said.

People wishing to donate to the goodwill campaign may contact @oneheartbahrain.