By Layan Damanhouri
Saudi Gazette
A SERIES of 100 volunteer initiatives launched led by the youth in Jeddah aims to change the concept of charity work.
“People need to find innovative ways when it comes to volunteering,” says Saleh Alsulami, advocate of volunteer work. “There’s been many people offering food in traffic, which is good, but they need to think of more new ideas so we can focus on helping other segments of society.”
A group of youths joined forces with different organizations to start one hundred events targeting groups of a hundred individuals. The first event this week offered orphan children iftar at a theme park where they played free games and contests.
Recently a trending hashtag on Twitter launched by Abdulaziz Alqahtani sought to reach a hundred retweets to invite restaurants to offer shawarma sandwiches for one hundred laborers. The social media campaign quickly gained positive feedback and restaurants immediately responded by donating the sandwiches.
The idea was transformed into a larger goal of targeting one hundred groups to become a sustainable and nationwide venture.
The 100 Initiatives first launched this Ramadan, during which volunteer work is the most active, and aims to continue throughout the year. “By the end of the 100 initiatives, we aim to reach a lot of people as well as encourage others to take up volunteer work,” says Fatima Al-Ansari, a member of the initiative. “Volunteering helps us to change your mindset about your surroundings and be helpful to others,” he added.
Volunteer work is not intended to be for the poor or needy alone, she adds. “There are so many people whom we plan to help such as patients, widows, the blind, pilgrims and even successful students who need some support.”
The rewards are plenty such as building personal skills and giving back to the community. Alsulami says, “Many young people are passionate to work in Ramadan but it’s important to continue working throughout the year. The holy month is intended to change one’s character for the better and to continue good habits even after Eid.”
