A MAJOR Ramadan charity initiative has been launched in Bahrain for the first time to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate people in the Middle East.
Clothes for Compassion hopes to collect used, relatively old or unwanted clothes, shoes, books and toys for people not only in the kingdom but also in Iraq, Somalia and Syria.
Residents in Bahrain are being encouraged to join the campaign being spearheaded by Al Rashid Group, one of the largest retail groups in the Middle East.
The drive runs throughout the holy month at Oasis Mall in Muharraq and East Riffa and Marina Mall in Manama.
Every customer shopping in any of the stores in these malls will receive a shopping bag which they can fill with the donated items and place it in a huge basket in the malls.
All donations will go to Al Sanabel Orphans Care organisation to be distributed to the needy.
The group has also tied up with newspapers in Bahrain, including the GDN, to distribute the bags to their subscribers.
Though the initiative is being held in Bahrain for the first time, it has been taking place annually in other GCC countries.
“Corporate social responsibility is an integral part of our core strategy, thus helping us in identifying the appropriate social schemes and initiatives for the group,” said group territory head Ivan Styk.
“As part of this strategy, we have aligned ourselves and are committed to support organisations based on the current world situations.
“Clothes for Compassion is a great initiative that takes place every year in Oasis Malls across the GCC.
“As part of this year’s Bahrain drive, held in collaboration with Al Sanabel Orphans Care society, we are hoping to see great participation from local communities, with an aim to curtail the hardships in Bahrain, Somalia, Syria and Iraq.
“We are positively hoping to have a great donation drive throughout this month of Ramadan.”
The drive runs until June 24.
shahlaa@gdn.com.bh
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