An Iftar party was held for the participants in Fast-a-thon 2015, which took place in the food court of Hyatt Plaza.


More than 400 non-Muslims from 20 nationalities participated in Hyatt Plaza’s Fast-a-thon to support education for orphans in Somalia.
The two-day event, organised by Hyatt Plaza in the food court, concluded yesterday. Fast-a-thon 2015 was supported by Qatar Charity and Edad Centre.
As part of the initiative, which gives participants an opportunity to experience fasting for one day, QR200 is donated on behalf of each person who registers for the fast. Accordingly, the shopping mall and the supporting organisations have pledged to donate QR80,000, in order to boost education in Somalia by providing English courses for orphans.
To celebrate the activity, the mall organised an Iftar party for the participants to promote the universal values of brotherhood, tolerance and empathy.
“Through innovative activities like Fast-a-thon, we believe we get to endorse acceptance, tolerance and social solidarity. This year, we have witnessed the highest participation for Fast-a-thon and are glad that we will be able to support orphans in Somalia and make their lives better through education,” said Feroz Moideen, general manager, Hyatt Plaza.
To show its appreciation for the efforts put in by the participants, the mall offered free henna painting, an interactive session with gift distribution as well as health check-ups provided by the Primary Health Care Corporation.
“I brought my family to Fast-a-thon because we’d always been fascinated by Ramadan and wanted to try fasting and make it a part of our experience here in Qatar. The fact that we are doing it for a good cause makes us even prouder and more enriched,” said Adams, a participant from the US who completed his first fast yesterday.
Ahmed Saleh al-Ali, programmes and project manager at Qatar Charity, said: “Our mission, along with Hyatt Plaza, will be to introduce English courses to young minds (in Somalia) in order to increase their chances of getting a higher education and becoming productive members in society.”
The proceedings from the Fast-a-thon will be donated to a pilot project created by Dr Bilal Philips, titled “Help the Orphans.” Under this, an intensive English course will be offered so as to make 500 Somalian orphans and destitute children proficient in English and offer them an opportunity to contribute towards the progress of the country.
“We thank all our customers and partners for supporting us in this noble cause,” added Moideen.

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