ONE of Bahrain’s longest-running women’s associations is inviting the community to come together for a good cause as they prepare to stage an annual holy month charity drive.
This year, Ramadan is likely to be observed from the end of February although it changes every year, based on the sighting of the new moon at the start of the lunar month.
In the weeks leading up to it, the International Ladies Association will be raising funds. The group, established in 1974, has collected thousands of dinars over the years and this time aims to support 600 needy Bahraini families by giving each of them a coupon worth BD20, which they in turn can use to buy food and other supplies.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer and reflection. There is an emphasis on good deeds, prompting many to take up community service initiatives to help those less fortunate.
“We have been successfully organising this charity drive for many years now and hope to receive generous support this time too,” the association president Fatima Al Kooheji, who has been steering the society at the helm for the last 30 years, told the GDN.
“BD20 is a small amount but when multiplied by 600 families, it’s a significant amount to raise. We encourage banks, companies and individuals in the community to join us once again in this noble cause.
“We are grateful to our members, local families and organisations who continue to support the drive.
“Once the donations are collected, we will reach out to one of the supermarket chains and present them with a cheque in exchange for coupons that will be distributed to the families.”
The participating retailer traditionally also donates more coupons to help boost the appeal too.
In addition to the annual charity drive, the association also provides financial help to 60 needy Bahraini families every month throughout the year.
In order to raise funds for this, the society conducts weekly events including charity bazaars and social gatherings. For example, a charity breakfast will be held for members today, where they will each pay BD10, from which BD5 will be donated toward the cause.
The International Ladies Association operates within Bahrain under the Labour and Social Affairs Ministry. Currently, it boasts around 80 volunteers, across a range of nationalities including Bahraini, Turkish, Brazilian, Chinese, Indian and Pakistani.
Members are mostly retirees from various professional backgrounds, including professors and bankers to doctors and nurses, although the group now attracts a number of younger volunteers aged in their 30s.
Ms Al Kooheji, a retired nurse and former operation theatre supervisor at Salmaniya Medical Complex, runs a tight ship at the association, drawing from her experience as a medical professional.
“When you work in a hospital, you’re taking care of humans and not machines so you have to be disciplined. I follow the same approach in my role at the association as well, and encourage our members to do whatever we plan in a good way with honesty and kindness,” she added.
The East Riffa resident also encourages the members to stay fit, by organising regular health related lectures and workout sessions as part of the association’s activities.
“We have a sport day every month that our members enjoy. Some who are wheelchair bound also attend without fail, which is a testament to their commitment,” she added.
- Those interested in donating or supporting the drive and the association can contact Ms Al Kooheji on 39670072.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
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