Charitable activities and visits to older people highlighted the celebrations of International Day of Older Persons 2016, which concluded on Wednesday.
Organised by Qatar Red Crescent Society’s (QRCS), the two-week celebration, observed globally every October 1, featured a social campaign in Qatar themed as “We Standby You,” aimed at recognising the contributions of the older generation to the Qatari society.
“These contributions form a significant part in building and strengthening Qatari families and society while cherishing the Qatari traditions and values,” QRCS said in a statement.
Several charitable activities continued for a fortnight, including visits to social gatherings of older persons led by QRCS volunteers and social media celebrities such as Asmaa al-Hamadi, Nasser al-Khulaifi, Khalifah al-Rumaihi, and Radio Wadha.
The visits aimed to give older persons more time to relax, thank them for their hard work and services for their families and society at large, make use of their experiences and know about the forms of social and familial relations in the past.
The campaign’s closing ceremony at Sharq Village & Spa featured shows led by students of Abdul-Rahman Bin Jassim Preparatory School and Girls of Qatar Centre for Voluntary Activities.
The event also honoured a group of older social figures, including Sabah bin Said al-Kuwari, Abdullah al-Abdullah, and representatives of the volunteer groups and sponsors who supported the campaign, particularly those from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain.
In his remarks, QRCS executive director Fahad bin Mohammed al-Nuaimi thanked the older generation who he considered as “our masters and mentors.”
“It was an exceptional generation that laid the foundation of the prosperity we enjoy. They used to work in the morning and study in the evening. That is why they could overcome challenges with determination and bravery,” he stressed.
“We appreciate them not only for their contributions to our modern society but also for providing us with a framework of values, traditions, and perspectives derived from the Arab and Islamic civilisations. May God protect them,” he added.
QRCS held the celebrations for two weeks.
