A Bahraini wedding planner, whose business was reduced to ashes in a devastating blaze, says he is determined to welcome couples back by next month, thanks to an overwhelming wave of community support that has already raised around BD55,000 towards rebuilding his livelihood.
Haider Tarradah, owner of Zafa Garden in Karzakan, lost an estimated BD200,000 when a fire destroyed his venue, custom-designed furniture, wedding equipment and decorations earlier this month.
Now, with donations continuing to pour in and wedding rental agencies, hotels and wedding halls offering equipment and furniture free-of-charge, the 38-year-old father-of-six says ‘hope has replaced despair’.
“We have started cleaning the place up as I make arrangements for new custom-made furniture,” Mr Tarradah told the GDN. “The furniture isn’t made here and follows my own designs, which helped make the venue unique across the GCC.
“Because of financial regulations governing charity funds, we can’t directly send the donated money abroad to China to manufacture the furniture.
“However, several furniture companies in Bahrain have offered to purchase the items on my behalf using their own resources. That will allow production to begin immediately so everything arrives before my first booking in mid-August.”
He added that generous supporters from across the Gulf had also stepped forward to provide similar furniture and equipment temporarily, enabling him to continue honouring bookings until the original pieces arrive.
“My furniture is Grade A quality and isn’t something available in the local market,” he said. “People have done everything they can to help me stand on my feet again.”
The businessman expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Iskan Jidhafs Charity Society, which launched the public fundraising campaign after the fire.
“The society has helped me tremendously,” he said. “Within just one week they managed to collect around BD55,000.
“They have also offered to support my children’s school expenses, excluded from the donations collected.
Mr Tarradah said rebuilding the venue also presented an opportunity to improve safety standards. The building was uninsured and an electrical fault is believed to have caused the fire.
“The new venue has been redesigned with all insurance requirements taken into account,” he said. “I don’t want a repeat of this tragedy.”
The fire destroyed a decade of work and left Mr Tarradah facing the challenge of fulfilling more than 120 wedding bookings scheduled for the remainder of the year.
Despite the setback, support from the public and the wedding industry has allowed him to begin planning his return.
Northern Municipal Council financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Dr Salman Abdulla said the response reflected the compassion of Bahraini society.
“Mr Tarradah has spent years bringing happiness to families on one of the most important days of their lives,” Dr Abdulla said.
“It is only fitting that the community continues standing beside him during one of the most difficult moments of his life. The response from donors, businesses and volunteers has been truly inspiring, and we hope he can soon return to doing what he loves.”
Those wishing to contribute can contact Mr Tarradah on 33757375, Dr Mohsin on 33004958, or donate through BenefitPay under Charity/Iskan Jidhafs Charity Society.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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The GDN’s report on the tragedy
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