A CARING community group is dishing out nutritious iftar meals to needy families as part of their Ramadan initiative.
The campaign has been launched by the women of Afkarech Female Network and Think Tank, who are cooking and delivering food packages to families across the kingdom so that no one goes hungry throughout the holy month.
“Every year, as a committee, we brainstorm ideas to see how we can help our community in new ways,” said the group’s founder and licensed psychologist Dr Mariam Alammadi.
“For this initiative, we wanted to kindle a community spirit and allow more people to participate.
“We also wanted to give our members and community of followers the chance to become a part of this campaign by volunteering to cook and deliver iftar for at least one family in need, for whom a nutritious home-cooked meal, made with love and kindness, can mean everything.
“It makes the two families feel connected in a beautiful way. The aim of this campaign is to support vulnerable and needy families over the month of Ramadan.”
This is one of the many campaigns launched by Afkarech in recent years. During the Covid-19 pandemic, they helped pay school tuition fees for several needy families and as typhoon devastated the Philippines in 2020, they rallied to support two affected women and their families with a fundraiser. They had also previously put together care packages for women in shelters during Ramadan.
“Year after year, we are amazed at the kindness shown to us by the local community for our Ramadan initiatives,” said Afkarech vice president Lovy Joseph. “It’s a true testament to the beautiful country we are fortunate to live in.”
Bahrain-based baker, author of dessert books and Afkarech committee member Mubina Maqbool is looking forward to whisking up treats for those in need.
“I’m happy to have the opportunity to be a part of this initiative,” she said. “Ramadan is a month of blessings, a month to be compassionate and the perfect time to bring moral and spiritual ideals to society. ‘Our Table to Yours’ helps foster a sense of community and shared responsibility.
“We aim to make a positive impact on our surroundings, help strengthen bonds and create a sense of belongingness.”
Dr Alammadi added that the dose of kindness could also benefit volunteers mentally and emotionally.
“Psychological research has shown that when you volunteer, you decrease stress levels, depression and anxiety, and boost your overall health and satisfaction with life,” she added.
“You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity.
“We also love that it has become a family affair with children getting involved to cook for others, spreading kindness throughout the community.”
The initiative, which started at the beginning of the holy month, will run throughout and people can reach out to volunteer with the empowered women group @afkarech on Instagram. “If you are a family who would like to be the recipient of an iftar meal, you can click on the link in our bio to register,” Dr Alammadi added. “We are also requesting local businesses who would like to donate baked goods to the families to email info@afkarech.com to help.”
mai@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))