Volunteers and community groups are rallying together to deliver water, food and thermos bottles to support labourers working at sites across the country, braving the scorching summer heat.
Several initiatives have also been launched to spread awareness about the importance of staying hydrated and eating a nutritious diet to avoid health complications that may occur as temperatures continue to soar.
The Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF), a registered charitable association, has lined up a number of programmes, as part of its 10th Thirst Quenchers initiative, to help outdoor workers around the country beat the heat.
“We will hold a small event today for around 150 workers in Mina Salman, focusing on public safety, given the high temperatures,” ICRF chairman V K Thomas told the GDN.
“They will receive refreshments and other essential items. The programme is aligned with the Labour Ministry’s initiative to ensure a safe working environment in peak summer, particularly during the midday outdoor work ban.”
The Labour Ministry earlier announced the implementation of an edict prohibiting outdoor work during midday, from June 15 to September 15, between noon and 4pm.
ICRF will stage another event on Saturday at a site in Isa town for around 250 workers.
“On July 18, an event will be held in co-ordination with the Interior Ministry at the Indian Club. Around 400 workers will join the classes that will outline the effects of heat and the importance of a safe and healthy working environment,” Mr Thomas added.
The group will continue to host more such programmes throughout the summer.
The Pakistani Women’s Association (PWA), a registered charitable organisation, will roll out its 2025 Refreshment Drive on Wednesday, distributing thermos bottles to labourers.
Thermos bottles are known for keeping drinks cooler for extended periods due to their double-walled vacuum insulation.
“We want to educate people on the importance of helping others,” the group’s president Shahmeen Islam told the GDN.
“We also want to encourage people to be eco-friendly, hence we are distributing thermos bottles. Instead of using water bottles, people can reuse their thermos, helping to reduce plastic waste.
“It is crucial to take care of our community and help make the world a better place.”
Meanwhile, unregistered charity group OneHeartBahrain has announced its Spreading Love, Summer Special event that aims to empower differently-abled children, aged four to 14, while also helping low-income labourers through the summer.
The children will be packing parcels “filled with fresh fruits, cucumbers, ice-cream and refreshments and they will be handed out to workers across Bahrain,” OneHeartBahrain spokesperson Amal Ishaq told the GDN.
“As a community, it is important to come together and support those that need it.
“We are excited to help bring the OneHeartBahrain spirit to life through children and radiate it through the community.
“Volunteers are welcome to help the team in any way and we encourage people to reach out through our social media to support our initiative.”
The event will be held in partnership with Shahzaib’s Clubhouse in Isa Town on July 23.
Non-registered group Lights of Kindness has already begun distributing water bottles, juice, fruit and Bahrain Bus Go Cards to low-income workers in Sitra, Umm Al Hassam, Salmaniya and Gudaibiya as part of their annual Beat the Heat initiative.
“So far, we have helped 750 workers,” the group’s founder Syed Haneef told the GDN.
“We are planning to distribute essential supplies to another 750 people. It is important to do our part and help the hard-working labourers as much as we can,” he added.
Last year, the group helped more than 1,500 people as part of their campaign.
n For more information, contact @shahzaibsclubhouse, @oneheartbahrain, @icrfbahrain, @p_w_a_bahrain and @lightsofkindness on Instagram.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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