Charitable organisations and community groups are planning a range of Ramadan initiatives to support underprivileged individuals, families and children.
The efforts include food distribution, clothing and shoe drives to help ease financial pressures and promote community togetherness.
The Pakistani Women’s Association (PWA) has kick-started its annual Ramadan Drive, which includes the distribution of Ramadan food packages to deserving families registered with the organisation.
“This year, we are also hoping to once again collaborate with a special needs support group to organise a Ramadan iftar, along with games and activities for children with special needs,” PWA president Shahmeen Islam told the GDN. “In addition, we have initiated our annual Ramadan and Eid Collective, where members of the community donate both new and gently-used clothes.”
Ms Islam said the items will be carefully packed and distributed to help families enjoy the joys of Ramadan and dress up to impress over Eid. Collections for the clothes will begin on February 21.
For those interested in helping its food distribution initiative, supporters are urged to donate BD1.200 to BD1.500 to cover the cost of individual iftar meals and, the more generous, can offer BD200 to feed everyone visiting a mosque on a day when breaking their fasts.
PWA is also calling on volunteers to sign up and support its ongoing initiatives.
Another registered group, Our Responsibility, which supports orphans, children in need and families, has launched a fundraising campaign to help support education, healthcare and essential needs.
“This Ramadan is a journey of giving, mercy and responsibility, driven by the collective effort of the community, relevant ministries and supporters,” Our Responsibility Society founder Rayana Sayyar told the GDN. “We are calling on the community to donate to our appeal so we can continue supporting our children and families in need.”
In the community, many unregistered groups are rallying to the call. OneHeartBahrain aims to distribute warm iftar meals to low-income labourers in eco-friendly packaging across labour camps in Buri, Saar, Salmabad, Askar, Riffa and Manama.
“We aim to feed more than 2,000 labourers during the holy month,” OHB volunteer Amal Ishaq told the GDN. “We do this to make them feel included, as many are away from their families. Providing them with a warm biryani meal allows them to break their fast with joy and a feeling of togetherness.”
Ms Ishaq added that they are using biodegradable packaging made from bamboo and sugarcane to reduce plastic waste.
A Box of Goodness has launched a Ramadan shoe drive, encouraging people to donate useable footwear in exchange for 50 per cent off of coffee. “Individuals can donate gently worn shoes to give them another life or new shoes they didn’t like once they had brought them home from the shop,” a group representative said, adding that all sizes and colours are welcome.
The shoes will be distributed to labourers and migrant workers. Donations can be dropped off at Purekicks Café in Janabiya Square, where donors will receive 50 per cent off their coffee purchase.
And, Lights of Kindness has begun distributing dry rations to the lowly-paid across the island and aims to distribute around 1,000 iftar kits and dinner packets during Ramadan.
“During the holy month, we try also reach out to labour camps to organise iftar events,” the group’s founder Syed Haneef told the GDN. He added that the group plans to distribute meals in Manama, Gudaibiya, Salmaniya, Sitra, Eker and Hidd.
- For more information contact the groups on Instagram @oneheart.bh, @p_w_a_bahrain, @ourresponsibility_bh, @aboxofgoodness and @lightsofkindness.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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