THE first-ever GDN ‘Make a Child Happy’ Ramadan community campaign has been a resounding success with the team collecting 22,222 toys, surpassing the original 20,000 mark.
The initiative was organised in co-ordination with Maqabah Charitable Society, on April 2.
Toys suitable for boys and girls, big and small – for babies, toddlers and teens – poured into GDN offices at the Press in East Riffa and commercial headquarters in Exhibition Road, Hoora alongside those directly collected by the society.
The aim of the campaign was to bring a smile to the faces of children who might otherwise miss out on gifts and family gatherings over Eid Al Fitr.
Yesterday, the GDN’s chief reporter, Mohammed Al A’ali, joined the charity champions to hand-deliver donations to children battling cancer, severe illnesses or are fighting other paediatric diseases at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC), the country’s main hospital.
Society board president Ali Alzaki expressed pride in the drive’s success.
“We have managed to bring smiles to the faces of many children and this year our most ambitious goals have been reached, thanks to the generosity of GDN readers,” he said.
“We were about to close the campaign when a philanthropist rang up two days before the end of Ramadan and asked if we had reached the target.
“I said yes, and informed him that 22,193 toys had been collected. He immediately agreed to contribute more to make it 22,222, which he believed was a magical and memorable mark.”
Distribution
Mr Alzaki said the distribution of gifts was an ongoing process with toys set to be completely handed over within the next two weeks.
“Sorting thousands of toys and dividing them into packages is time-consuming, even though 100 volunteers have stepped in, but things are being fast-tracked as volunteers from other societies and charities have also come forward to help,” he said.
“What we started as a new concept 22 years ago has today reached a point where several other organisations have also started similar schemes.
“The more the merrier. It’s a good thing that our idea has grown.”
Little cancer sufferer Mariam Hamad, aged 12, was elated as she received a toy while recovering in a ward in SMC.
“Thank you so much!” she said.
“I wish I could be home with my family over Eid but you have made me feel so much happier,” she told the GDN from her hospital room alongside her mother.
“I have a dream of going to the lovely Yas island in Abu Dhabi and Phuket island in Thailand when I get out of here and my spirit is strong and undefeated.”
Seven-year-old Zainab Al Wardi, who is suffering from transverse myelitis, hugged her toy in joy.
“I have counted 14 days in hospital until today and I thought this was my worst Eid Al Fitr until I got a beautiful gift from strangers,” said Zainab, who was accompanied by her mother.
“I cannot wait to go back to school.
“My life would be much better if I am out of here and with the rest of my peers in class as I enjoy the end of the academic year and sit exams as a normal student.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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