ONE of Bahrain's biggest fundraisers, which was under threat from the global economic crisis, has received a major boost after Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa stepped in with a BD20,000 donation towards the event.
It follows a plea for money by organisers of the Pearl Charity Ball, which supports abused domestic workers and stranded labourers.
The donation is the equivalent of two-thirds of the event's BD30,000 fundraising target.
It came in response to an appeal by organisers at the Migrant Workers Protection Society (MWPS), which appeared in the GDN last month.
In that article, MWPS action committee head Marietta Dias explained that a slowdown in fundraising was hindering efforts to run a shelter for abused expats and cover the costs of medical treatment, food and other expenses.
She told the GDN yesterday that Shaikh Salman's support had not only breathed new life into the event, but had also given new motivation to volunteers at the MWPS.
"We at the MWPS are very touched that His Highness is aware of what we do at the society," said Ms Dias.
"It is indeed a great honour to learn that the leadership of the country is in touch with the activities and programmes that the society conducts.
"This generous contribution will help us to improve the quality of services and projects that the MWPS is engaged in.
"Words fail me, because more than being a donation, this gesture is a big boost and motivation that shows the recognition for our work."
MWPS chairwoman Mona Almoayyed expressed her delight at the announcement.
"This is an overwhelmingly generous gesture of support by the Crown Prince and confirms Bahrain's commitment to protecting human rights and caring for disadvantaged migrant workers," she said.
"We hope that this initiative taken by Shaikh Salman sets an inspiring example for organisations and individuals to follow suit."
MWPS has been increasingly recognised by international and local organisations for its work protecting low-income migrant workers.
Its funds are used to support the operation of its shelter for abused female domestic workers, to buy airline tickets for stranded workers, to pay fines unjustly incurred, to provide emergency relief for workers such as to those made homeless by fire, to create public awareness and to provide translation and advocacy.
The annual Pearl Charity Ball is one of its main sources of income and will take place this year at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa on October 16.
Leading businessmen, women and diplomats are expected to attend the event, which will feature entertainment by one of Bahrain's leading bands and DJs.
Sponsorship is available in pearl (BD5,000), platinum (BD3,000), diamond (BD1,500), gold (BD1,000) and silver (BD500) categories.
Meanwhile, tickets cost BD20 per person and include a buffet dinner, welcome drink and live entertainment.
To sponsor or buy tickets contact Ms Dias on 39452470, MWPS fundraising committee head Teresa Mohan on 39958207 or e-mail galadinner@mwpsbahrain.com for details.
becky@gdn.com.bh
