1. COMMUNITY
Acting Charitably
The holy month of Ramadan is all about charity
and giving back; Go’s Annisa Rochadiat uncovers
two organizations that are doing their all
CSR Corporate donors can help Al Fawanees by becoming a “partner.” This means
providing venues, discounts on toy gifts, media and logistics, or by making a
donation of 20,000 JOD and above. Businesses can also become an Al Fawanees
“sponsor” by pledging a lesser sponsorship.
60 | AUG. 2011

2. I
n the Islamic tradition, alms March 2009, this initiative aims
giving and voluntarily spending to feed the poor and needy by
one’s wealth in charity have distributing food — primarily
always held a pinnacle place; surplus and untouched — from
they are integral to one’s faith. restaurants, hotels, and banquets
Sharing one’s blessings with others, in Amman. Apart from surplus
particularly those less fortunate, food distribution, Family Kitchen
is however, a gesture that is never also helps give out clothes, heaters
more encouraged than during the in winter, and medical assistance
holy month of Ramadan. to disadvantaged communities
There are many altruistic living in Jordan’s poverty pockets,
initiatives in Jordan, most of including refugee camps.
which operate with a particular During last year’s Ramadan,
Ramadan agenda. One of such is Family Kitchen fed no less than
Al Fawanees, a social project set 3,000 people throughout the month
up specifically with the Kingdom’s with just 20 volunteers and eight
underprivileged children in mind, participating restaurants. Each
including orphans, children night, volunteers would come
with special needs and physical collect untouched leftover Iftar
disabilities, and child refugees.
Al Fawanees, literally meaning,
“lanterns”— a common sight in the A child will have access to
Middle East during Ramadan — is
said to symbolize hope.
a special dinner, a range of
Projected to become an umbrella games, and — for the first
organization for Ramadan charities,
Al Fawanees seeks to share the time — a Ramadan gift
Ramadan spirit and Eid joy by
hosting 20 Iftar events spread out buffets from various hotels and
across Jordan’s 12 governorates, restaurants and transported them to
with each event catering to about selected distribution points.
100 children. These Iftars rely on Since earlier this year, the
private and corporate sponsorship, kitchen has helped distribute meals
with each child requiring a and food packages sponsored by
sponsorship fee of around 30 JOD. the Crowne Plaza Amman, Tkiyet
According to Project Director Um Ali, and the Jordanian Alliance
Marc Zenkner, at each Iftar, a child Against Hunger in Manara and
will have access to a special dinner, Karak. They’ve also aided in the
a range of games and activities, and delivery of baby supplies, clothes,
— for the first time — they’ll also and toys to underprivileged
receive a personalized Ramadan communities in Madaba. With
gift made possible via interviews charitable activities taking place
that the Al Fawanees conducted by almost every month, Family
volunteers. The team took pains in Kitchen tells us that volunteers are
compiling a Ramadan gift wish list, always welcome all year round,
now viewable on their Website. especially those who are able to
Apart from providing financial provide logistical support like
donations, if you’re looking to transportation. So get involved this
increase your rewards for good month, but carry on the good deeds
works and have at least an afternoon throughout the year, thanks to great
a week to dedicate your time to, you organizations such as these!
EDTOKNOW can also volunteer and participate
Pay It
NE in Al Fawanees’ upcoming Al Fawanees is constantly on the lookout for dedicated
This and passionate people as partners in their venture to help
year, the Al
Ramadan events.
disadvantaged children. So if you’d like to get involved, log
If you’re interested in
Back
Fawanees Project onto the Web and find one of their many online voices,
are aiming to serving the community starting with, www.al-fawanees.com.
fundraise 60,000 and helping those in need If you’d like to help out with the Family Kitchen as
JOD to cover all not just during Ramadan, well, you can find more information about them on their
their expenses! Set time aside Facebook page, www.facebook.com/FamilyKitchen2009. You
but also throughout the year, this month to can also contact the organizers Jacki on (079) 748 4115, or
then Family Kitchen is another help others Bandar on (078) 834 5370.
worthwhile cause. Founded in
AUG. 2011 | 61