AN appeal for donations to help hundreds of families in Bahrain prepare for Ramadan has gone out from a local charity.
The International Ladies Society is accepting food, coupons and cash donations with the aim of providing relief to more than 600 families ahead of the holy month which is expected to start on April 23 this year.
Society chairwoman Fatima Al Kooheji told the GDN these donations are crucial to help sustain under-privileged families. She added that the society also gives monthly allowances to 55 families on its list for continuous aid throughout the year.
“We undertake a range of activities throughout the year, in addition to various initiatives such as providing wheelchairs, air conditioners and refrigerators, among other items, to people in need,” she said.
“We annually collect donations with the aim of helping 600 families, and it is even better if we exceed our target because then we can help more people.
“With the cash we receive we buy food for the families or provide them with coupons, while other donations come in the form of food items.”
“We never give out cash because at times you never know what it may be used for.”
The society also helps people with illnesses and those with special needs by organising various social and charity activities such as fashion shows and events.
Society members also visit families who have submitted requests for aid and assess their situation to determine the best form of aid for these families while also visiting senior citizens’ homes and hospitals.
Hardships
Giving back to society in the form of helping people in need is such a rewarding act and there will always be more to do and more to give,” said Ms Al Kooheji.
“Our small efforts, with the food items and coupons, may be nothing compared with the hardships the families face, but I believe even playing a small part in alleviating suffering gives you an immense feeling of gratitude.
“We receive hundreds of requests on a daily basis to provide aid and help and we try our best to provide for those in need.”
She said the society ensured that all the governorates are covered and families on the list are provided help while also helping those who aren’t on the list but request help.
According to her, the 55 families on the society’s permanent list could receive aid for up to 20 years based on their situation and conditions while others are given help until their situation improves.
“We also sometimes use the donations we receive during Ramadan to help the families in preparation for Eid by using the donations to buy clothes for their children.”
Around 250 members of 25 different nationalities volunteer for the society which was established in 1974.
For more information and to donate call 17825865 or follow the society on @il_society on Instagram.
reem@gdn.com.bh
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