Tourism & Hospitality | Thursday 1 June, 2017 3:00 pm |

For the fifth consecutive year, Red Sea Mall held Abna’a Al-Khair activity which hosted and engaged more than 1,200 kids from various non-profit organizations and many underprivileged families at their annual iftar event; which the mall has become accustomed to organizing in cooperation with Akly Ala Mazajy Group, a few local companies, a group of businessmen and businesswomen and philanthropists. This year the kids will be hosted in the lower level of the mall’s new expansion.

The Iftar Abna’a Al-Khair activity which was launched for the first time in 2013 aims to integrate families and orphans bringing them joy in this holy month. The mall’s management strives through this initiative to assure and reaffirm its commitment to the Saudi community’s religious and noble values, that commands us to help and care for orphans.

Mohammad Alawi, CEO of Red Sea Markets Company Ltd, the owner of Red Sea Mall, stated: “We are delighted and honored to be spreading joy and drawing smiles among our valued orphaned sons. We are happy with the success of this leading initiative that has started to attract the attention of many philanthropists from the Saudi community that has always been naturally altruistic. This year marks the 5th year for this initiative that launched originally with only 50 kids to reach over 1,200 kids today. We will work hard to develop and innovate the program year on year so it may yield more benefits to our kids.”

He added: “This activity is the biggest event that brings together this large number of orphan kids under one roof; and what makes us even more proud as the Red Sea Mall management, is that this event marks the first activity in our new expansion area. I would also like to thank everyone who participated and supported this charitable cause as such platforms proved to be important in generating solidarity between community members.”

The iftar included various entertainment and recreational programs, that start with greeting the kids at the gate, then a stage performance activity before breaking fast, followed by other activities like drawing, face painting and etiquette workshops. After the iftar, the participant kids were given free vouchers for Sparky’s indoor amusement park located in the mall, as well as access to the IN10SO carting ring center inclusive of bowling and video games. Additionally, children were offered coupons to buy new cloths to feel the joy of Eid.

The activity’s success has proven the Saudi community’s interest in such programs that hold noble values especially around the month of Ramadan, the month of ultimate blessings and giving. We invite everyone to support our activity that attracts much attention and strives to realize the higher purpose of making an orphan happy and integrating him into society.

The activity in its first year hosted 50 kids, reaching 200 kids in its second year and 500 in its third edition. Last year, in 2016 the number went up to 1,000 kids before culminating this year at 1,200 kids.