More than 80 colourful cards will be handed out to children with cancer during Eid Al Fitr as part of an annual initiative focused on bringing the community together and spreading goodwill.
The ‘Sherie Boutik x one% Eid Card Yearly Initiative’ has invited artists and creatives from all walks of life to sacrifice ‘one per cent of their time’ to a good cause that aims to put a smile to the faces of youngsters enduring challenging times.
“I started this initiative in 2021 because I thought it was a great way to bring the art community together, lift children’s spirits and do a good deed,” campaign founder and boutique owner Sherie Alireza told the GDN.
Ms Alireza
“It was also during a time when we could not socialise normally due to Covid-19 restrictions, so the initiative was a great way to interact with one another while adhering to the rules.
“Donating a small percentage of your time to a good cause improves the lives of others. These projects also inspire others to volunteer their time after witnessing the positive impact it makes in the community.
“If I can bring a smile to the face of a child going through a challenging time, it makes everything worthwhile.”
During Eid, it is a common custom for parents and older members of the family to give children a range of gifts. Youngsters can receive anything from money to coins and candy.
Ms Alireza highlighted that they are celebrating the fifth year of the beautiful card tradition, which has ‘become a staple of her boho-chic boutique brand’.
Colourful cards distributed to children
Every year, she selects a different organisation to collaborate with, and this year the Smile Initiative was chosen.
Launched in 2012, the Bahrain Future Society for Youth’s Smile Initiative provides psychological support to children with cancer and their families. The programme was recognised earlier this month at the seventh edition of the Shaikha Fatima Programme for Excellence and Community Intelligence Awards, held in Abu Dhabi, in the Support and Care for Community category.
“The first three years, we worked with different orphanages in the kingdom, and last year, I decided to work with the Smile Initiative, as it was suggested to me by numerous friends,” said Ms Alireza, adding that this will be her second year working with them and she is excited to be able to help in her own way.
“The Smile Initiative is a wonderful programme, and hopefully, these beautiful cards will bring a smile to the children’s faces. We can make a difference by donating just one per cent of our time.”
One of the card designs
She also thanked all the artists who participated in this year’s initiative, stating that it would not have been possible without them.
Last year, more than 150 special cards were delivered to children with cancer.
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