Spreading the goodwill

THE squeals of happiness could be heard clearly in the large play area created to help families celebrate the holy month in the ballroom of one of the leading hotels on the island.

But the word ‘family’ can mean different things to different people, especially if you happen to be an orphan.

It’s at this time of year that the community unites as one family and a blanket of love is thrown over all children to ensure that even those going through troubled times or coping with the loss of a parent, and in some cases, both, know they are important and will not miss out on the finer things in life.

There can be few things finer than experiencing an Iftar banquet in the company of friends at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

Once again the five-star property’s management and staff members opened their doors and their hearts to the Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) and hosted 100 orphans as part of the hotel’s corporate social responsibility project.

It’s the third year in a row and Alaa Budalama, the RCO’s head of projects and activities, is a man with a plan as a result of the continuing and blossoming partnership with the property. “Now that it has become an annual fixture I’m determined to make sure it is well organised,” he said. “That’s so important because this event is something the children dream about.”

Hundreds of youngsters asked to be included on the trip and fortunately other hotels on the island also play a part during this special month of giving. He now has a comprehensive list of children wishing to attend and tries to fairly spread the opportunities each year so as not to cause disappointment.

The RCO, established by His Majesty King Hamad, aims to ensure that the plight of the island’s orphans, widows and others suddenly finding themselves in dire need, does not go unnoticed.

His Majesty first established the Orphans Sponsorship Committee in July 14, 2001, specifically to support orphans. In November, a royal decree was issued to look after widows as well and then in 2007 the committee was renamed the Royal Charity Organisation to focus on all charitable acts on the island.

The King was then named the honorary president and a board, made-up of prominent individuals, was created. Its mission continues to this day to sponsor orphans, widows and provide care for the elderly and those with special needs. It is understood that there are more than 5,000 orphans and widows and 10,000 needy individuals registered with the organisation.

As reported in GulfWeekly, his son, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, chairman of the board of trustees, said: “The aim is to stand by the needy, be it as an individual or as an organisation, assisting them and providing them with the necessities to make ends meet and have a generous standard of living.

“The role of the organisation is not confined to a specific field. It will target all kinds of needy people covering all sorts of demands.”

The group who visited the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay last Monday included toddlers and teenagers.

The eldest were well educated, bright and confident and were keen to quiz general manager Richard Raab about his career, an experience covering everything from city hotels to island resorts, in a colourful journey that has taken him around Europe, America, the West Indies and the Middle East too.

The vastly-expanding hospitality industry in the kingdom offers many opportunities to Bahrainis and it wouldn’t be a surprise if some of these enthusiastic youngsters were to carve out their own journey in the sector, inspired by Richard’s words.

Alaa believes opportunities like this will motivate them and open their eyes to the possibilities the future may hold despite their challenging start in life. “It’s amazing how they go back into the classroom determined to study and work even harder,” he said. “Anything is possible with a helping hand and a desire to succeed.”

One delightful eight-year-old called Ruqayah, however, was determined not to miss a moment of fun after having her fill with the buffet and sped off in the direction of the impressive play arena.

After sitting down beside her for a colouring in session, Richard, married to Sandra with two school age daughters, Isabella and Luciana, said: “It’s the time for giving and this is an excellent way to do just that. The kids absolutely love it. It’s wonderful to see them enjoying themselves.

“It’s just pure joy to see them so happy. Hearing the organisers come in today and say the children had really been constantly asking: ‘When are we going to the Four Seasons for Iftar?’ That’s just music to my ears.”

If you would like to make a donation contact the public relations office in Seef at 17313693 or visit www.royalcharity.org.bh for more information.