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Painters from across the kingdom have donated their colourful artwork to the Fatima Bint Resq (FR) Project to be virtually auctioned off to raise funds for families in need.
The FR Project, founded in May 2020 and directed by Shaikh Rashid bin Mohamed Al Khalifa in honour of his late grandmother Shaikha Fatima bint Resq bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, is registered under the Bahrain Society for Children with Behavioural and Communication difficulties. It aims to back community causes as well as individuals in need.
The art auction for a cause, which will be held on Monday at 7pm on Instagram Live @frprojectbh, is being organised by the non-profit organisation in collaboration with BHR4ALL to support families that have been affected financially by Covid-19.
“The coronavirus has affected many people’s lives financially and in terms of their health,” said Shaikh Rashid, the 17-year-old British School of Bahrain student. “The aim of this virtual art auction is to raise as much money as possible to support families in need based in Bahrain. We do not have a financial target but 100 per cent of the money raised will be donated to the families. I feel it is very important to always support those in need during this pandemic and even after it.”
The donated art pieces are themed around Bahrain’s culture and heritage, frontline workers, charity and helping those in need.
“All of the paintings available in the art auction are posted on our Instagram account and we have many more on their way from different talented artists,” added Shaikh Rashid who also founded the non-profit Teenagers of Autism initiative in 2018.
Those interested in bidding in the virtual art auction can register by calling or sending a WhatsApp to 32313116. All bidders will be added to a WhatsApp group where they can place their offers as they watch the auction on Instagram Live.
This is FR Project’s second community initiative with BHR4ALL. During their first fundraising campaign, both non-profit organisations collected funds to buy washable face masks and sanitisers to distribute to labourers based in Durrat Al Bahrain.
Sunshine House Bahrain, a centre for individuals with special needs, also contributed bars of soap.
The FR Project also launched Merak, a clothing and accessories brand, to further support different community initiatives and the less fortunate.
Shaikh Rashid said: “Merak comes from the Latin word Meraki, which means to put yourself, your passion and love into something you like to do. That is exactly why we started this brand and 100 per cent of profits will be donated to different causes and individuals in need.
“We are planning to launch our summer collection by September 2020 when we will be selling t-shirts, hats and accessories such as bracelets. Customers will be able to order our products by Instagram or contact us by phone.”
Another initiative that FR Project is planning and hopes to launch in August is a virtual summer camp for individuals with special needs.
For further details, follow @frprojectbh and @merak.bh on Instagram.
