Get involved and give back this Ramadan season.

OneHeartBahrain is a goodwill movement founded by Birthe van der Heijden two years ago. Initially started with the aim of providing home-cooked meals for workers that had not been paid, it developed into a community initiative that serves underprivileged families or migrant workers in Bahrain by providing basic food items, fresh meals and generally helping in battling food insecurity. Birthe says: “OneHeartBahrain’s vision is that we are ‘One World, One People and One Heart’. We have over 100 volunteers involved in our drives that help spread the message of unity and kindness.”

Ramadan Initiatives

Lulu Hypermarket Food Boxes. In addition to the regular food distribution to individuals and smaller groups, the aim for Ramadan and Eid is to distribute 250 Lulu Hypermarket Boxes. The boxes include basic food supplies, such as rice, vegetable oil, dahl, chickpeas, salt, pepper, tomato paste, fresh garlic, to last a person two weeks. Food boxes cost BD4 and can be purchased from Lulu in Dana Mall (call 3656 0456) or Atrium Mall (call 3656 1216) to place your order and give the reference OneHeartBahrain.

Fresh Meal delivery for Iftar & Suhoor. This activity is run in collaboration with the Bangladesh Society of Bahrain who are helping to identify the groups most in need, for whom fresh meals are provided twice a day. The meals are prepared by Almodina Restaurant and the daily target is to distribute 100 meals throughout Ramadan.

Iftar and Suhoor for one person costs BD1.200 which can be sent directly to the restaurant via Benefit Pay.

Benefit Number: 37748279

Benefit Name: Israfil Naziri

Reference: OneHeartBahrain (Please send screenshot for tracking.)

Multi-meal packages are also available from BD60 to cover 50 meals.

Kids’ Toy Collection. On the last day of the organisation’s Ramadan food distribution – which will take place on Eid – there is a special activity planned for children in need and their families. In collaboration with Catopia Cafe in Adliya they are gathering new and lightly used toys which will be handed out to children alongside food boxes. they already have gathered toys for all different age ranges, including a lovely donation of books from Sarah Clarke, founder of Baloo’s Buddies, a programme in which pet dogs are used to enhance the lives of children with communication difficulties, especially those with autism spectrum disorders. The closing date for toy donation is May 5. If anyone would like to donate toys, please drop them off at Catopia Café or get in touch with volunteer coordinator, Rajat Sachdeva (WhatsApp 3946 7348).

The local community can get involved through volunteering and donating. ✤

GO: CALL ANDREA MOCAY 3309 5283 OR MESSAGE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA @ONEHEARTBAHRAIN