Reach Out To Asia (Rota) has launched its Ramadan 2013 Project, sponsored for the second consecutive year by oil and gas producer Occidental Petroleum of Qatar Ltd (Oxy Qatar).
The Ramadan Project will be the seventh such annual campaign to be conducted with the support of volunteers and community partners. This year, too, Rota looks forward to reaching out to provide assistance to the needy.
With the Holy Month fast approaching, Rota volunteers will be busy packing bulk groceries before distributing supplies of rice, oil, milk, flour and other basic food items among families in need.
Supported by its corporate partners, the Rota volunteers will also renovate the homes of two families in need, with the makeover including home maintenance, repainting and new furniture.
“Ramadan reminds people to think about poverty and hardship and reflect on how we can share resources with people less fortunate than us. Together with our volunteers and partners, Rota will once again make a difference to disadvantaged communities in Qatar during Ramadan,” said Essa al-Mannai, Rota executive director.
Rota will host three community Iftar events during Ramadan with institutions that work with people with special needs, said George Tavola, Volunteer Programme manager at Rota.
“One of the focus areas of Oxy Qatar’s social responsibility programme is to engage with communities to help improve the lives of the less fortunate. Our partnership with Rota exemplifies this commitment. We encourage Oxy employees and the public to get involved in the activities being planned. On behalf of Oxy Qatar, we thank all the people who are working so hard to make this year’s Ramadan Project a successful and meaningful event,” said Stephen Kelly, Oxy Qatar president and general manager.
Hasan Mohamed al-Malki, deputy general manager of Oxy Qatar, said: “We are honoured to participate in Rota’s volunteer project for the second year in a row and delighted to be part of the charitable initiative that aims to develop the community.”
Rota volunteers will celebrate Garangao - a festival marked by the participation of children in the Gulf countries - with Children’s Rehabilitation Centre and Hamad Hospital Paediatric Unit.
Now a traditional event in its annual community development calendar, Rota held its first Ramadan Project back in 2007 and has so far helped hundreds of families and individuals during the Holy Month.
“Our Ramadan 2013 Project is a true manifestation of Rota’s social responsibilities and willingness to strengthen the bonds between different elements in society and particularly with disadvantaged families and those with special needs. With the financial sponsorship of Oxy Qatar, Rota will again look to make a positive impact on many lives this Ramadan,” said al-Mannai.
Rota and Oxy Qatar officials announcing the Ramadan 2013 Project yesterday.
