PEOPLE from all walks of life in Bahrain are coming together as part of a massive donation drive in support of Afghan refugees.
A message, circulated on social media, urging people to donate essential items has sparked an overwhelming response with donations of clothes, toys, diapers, shoes and milk.
Thousands of people remain to be evacuated ahead of the August 31 deadline set by US President Joe Biden to withdraw troops from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
Bahrain is helping in the evacuation efforts by allowing flights from Kabul to use Isa Air Base as a transit point.
“We have a couple of WhatsApp groups that we use to communicate with customers and share information,” said Tracey Clough, 44, who owns a children’s activity centre in Saar.
“We have previously used these forums when we have been made aware of any struggling families during Covid-19.
“The group of mums and families really come together to help out those in need.”
She told the GDN that on Tuesday they were contacted by a donor who was aware that many Afghan refugees flying through Bahrain before getting rerouted to various countries were in desperate need of supplies.
“They needed clothing, shoes, nappies, milk, toys and so on.
“Shoes in particular are needed.”
She added the overwhelming response to the WhatsApp groups call for donations gained momentum in the past few days.
“There are several collection points in compounds in Saar and Hamala, and on Reef Island and people are reporting that they are receiving very generous donations.”
The main collection point, however, was the Ivory building reception in Reef Island, where donations stopped yesterday as it had reached “full capacity”.
Other drop-off points are located at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club (BRFC) and St Christopher’s School in Saar and Isa Town.
Appeal
“We saw the appeal and believe we should support this cause,” said BRFC chairman Mike Cunningham.
“We’ve shared the information with our members and set up a collection point at the club.
St Christopher’s School principal Dr Simon Watson said they were doing their bit to help the refugees.
“As a school community, our hearts go out to all those affected by the situation in Afghanistan,” he said.
“Our mission is to provide an Education for a Shared Humanity; to ensure all our staff and students are role models who contribute meaningfully to our global society.”
Nadeen School has also launched a soft toy collection drive for Afghan children.
According to a post circulating on Instagram, soft, comforting toys can be dropped off at the school in Manama.
The GDN reported yesterday that US Fifth Fleet service members, civilians and their families were donating necessary supplies in support of the evacuees from Afghanistan.
Travellers’ meals, short-term lodging and medical services are being provided to evacuees before departing for the US.
mai.alkhatib@gulfweekly.com
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