(MENAFN - The Peninsula) Mohammed Abdulla Saleh, Manager, Community Development Department, ROTA (centre) addressing the press conference yesterday at the ROTA Headquarters. Abdul Basit
DOHA: Over 700 individuals will benefit from a series of projects lined up by Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) as part of its Ramadan programme next month.
A total of 150 volunteers and 15 community partners are working hand in hand with ROTA for community projects including iftars, Garangao celebrations, house renovations and art workshops to be held for the first time.
"This is the fourth year that we are implementing our Ramadan project aimed at engaging the community, providing help to the underprivileged and promoting the spirit of volunteerism," Mohammed Abdulla Saleh, Manager, Community Development Department, ROTA told local media yesterday.
ROTA has already distributed food items to 120 needy families in Doha, with generous support from Qatari retail giant Al Meera, which donated all the items to the distribution campaign for free.
"As Qataris, this is an opportunity for us to know that there are many people out there who need help and what form of assistance they need," said one of the active volunteers involved in the packing and distribution of food items.
Iftars will be held for Qatar Foundation for Elderly Care and a variety of community organisations that represent children with special needs. Both these iftars are sponsored by the Qatar First Investment Bank (QFIB).
Another iftar will be provided for the children of the Dhreima Qatar Orphan Foundation and sponsored by THE One furniture store.
This joint activity will also include QFIB-sponsored Garangao celebrations for the Dhreima orphans.
Two houses will be renovated with the support and expertise of long-term partner THE One, who generously donate household furniture, and additional financial sponsorship from QFIB.
This is the third year in which THE One has donated furniture and worked with ROTA and its volunteers.
New this year is the Art Project, which is a highlight of ROTA's Ramadan activities. The series of art workshops to be hosted at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCU-Q) will cater to children with special needs.
Through the guidance of up and coming young Qatari artists, ROTA volunteers will be engaging with children from community partners such as Best Buddies Qatar, Al Noor Institute for the Blind, Qatari Centre of Social Cultural for the Deaf, Hope Qatar, Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs and the Qatar Paralympic Committee.
"Ramadan is a month about selfless giving to those who need it the most," explained Essa Al Mannai, ROTA Director.
"We hope that ROTA's activities, along with our partners, and volunteers give a glimmer of hope to the underprivileged."
