Bakers across Bahrain are coming together this Ramadan to raise funds for children with special needs, proving that small, homegrown efforts can have a lasting community impact.

Organised in collaboration with the Indian Ladies Association (ILA) and fellow bakers, the Ramadan Healthy Bake Sale Charity Drive is organising staggered virtual bake sales until March 18 to raise money for the ILA Sneha Recreation Centre.

“The Holy month of Ramadan is the month of charity and we bakers whole-heartedly and generously bake healthy and delicious goodies to be able to contribute in a big way for the special kids of Sneha,” Bahrain-based baker Ekta Sethi told GulfWeekly.

“This year, my son Aarav Sethi, Year 10 student at St Christopher’s School Bahrain is taking the lead to organise the event.”

The initiative is also promoting a shift towards healthier baking, with all items made without refined flour or sugar.

Many of the recipes incorporate whole wheat, natural sweeteners such as dates and jaggery, and nutrient-rich millets, which organisers hope will encourage rethinking everyday ingredients.

The month-long initiative will see a rotating roster of home bakers hosting virtual sales, with customers able to place orders online and arrange collection or delivery.

Items on offer range from chocolate cupcakes and carrot muffins to sourdough breads, gluten-free brownies and nut butters, with many packaged as ready-to-gift treats for iftar gatherings.

Among this year’s highlights is the involvement of students, including Aarav and his classmates, who have adapted their own recipes into healthier versions as part of the effort.

“I feel it brings joy to both the giver and receiver of goodies, and finally to the differently abled kids,” Ekta added.

“All those who buy the bakes feel blessed and happy to be able to contribute for this noble cause and we are so grateful for the support and hope it continues throughout the holy month.”

In a milestone moment for the initiative, a student at the Sneha Recreation Centre, 13-year-old Hannah Jaimon who will turn 14 tomorrow, will also participate as a baker for the first time after learning to make ragi (millet) cookies from Ekta.

In addition to Ekta, Aarav and Hannah, numerous bakers have already joined the initiative, including Nisha Ranga, Elizabeth Shane, Adarsh Narayanan, Vaani Sethi, Mehak Damle, Monika Ravi, Soni Khadilkar, Siji Binu, Kavitha Chowdhary and Arpita Dutta.

“Embracing the true spirit of Ramadan – a time of compassion, generosity, and giving – the talented bakers are coming together for a special charity initiative and our volunteer Ekta and her son Aarav are taking the lead in organising this event,” ILA president Smitha Jensen added.

“Through their heartfelt effort, they aim to raise funds for the Sneha Recreation Centre, ensuring the continued support and development of its children.”

Since its launch in 2021, the annual bake sale has consistently raised more than BD1,000 each year, with organisers hoping to build on that momentum in 2026 as more bakers and volunteers join the cause.

The organisers are looking for more bakers to join the effort as well as sponsors to support packaging and ingredient costs, allowing 100 per cent of proceeds to go directly to the charity.

Soni is selling her baked goods today and tomorrow (February 26 and 27), with Elizabeth and Adarsh selling tomorrow and Saturday (February 27 and 28), and Arpita selling on Sunday, March 1.

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