Eid and all smiles

In the competitive world that we live in, people may not always be keen to spend their time, energy or resources on something that does not produce an evident reward. However, individuals with the genuine will to make the world a better place to live, strive to do so even under extremely unfavourable circumstances.

A few such individuals who were previously working with different charitable organisations found themselves unable to continue in that line of work due to their personal involvements. They decided to persevere and make an effort every year to come together and organise an event to make a difference, however small it may be. Thus, Project Eid n’ Smile was first launched.

Since 2016, this project has led to a number of events every summer to provide the less fortunate with food and gifts. The entire team has grown throughout these years from a team of 10 members to one with 200 volunteers. The quantitative growth of the team has led to the events taking place at a larger scale with greater success each passing year.

This year, Project Eid n’ Smile is organising a total of 15 events, with multiple targets groups. They have already provided numerous families in certain slum areas with raw materials for them to store and utilise according to their convenience through the first few events. They have even moved on to provide meals for an old home maintaining the residents’ dietary restrictions.

For the last few events that are yet to be completed, the team has decided to distribute iftaar for about 1800 underprivileged families. All of these events are being conducted during Ramadan to exhibit the values that resonate the most with the spirit of the holy month, the values of compassion and generosity. The main event is set to take place on May 31, 2019 with the help of donations collected from interested individuals.

Even though one event per year may not seem to have a lasting impact, but the overall model of the project aims to make a difference in other ways. While people from all walks are life are encouraged to join, most of the team consists of students, the levels ranging from middle school to university. Their primary motive is to encourage the youth to get involved in activities that concern the society and teach them the dynamics of a successful community service event.

Different teams are set up and the youngest member is made the team leader. The other, more experienced members remain on the side lines to guide them through. Hence, the events not only deliver required goods to the ones who are in need, they also help prepare the younger generation to become better informed about the needs of the society and the necessity for benevolence.

Be it through monetary contributions or one’s participation to pack and distribute the meals, everyone is welcome to join the cause and partake in this great initiative. All acts of kindness, regardless of their magnitude, can contribute to creating a better society.

Learn more about Project Eid n’ Smile at fb.com/events/318355678828958. SHOUT is the Youth Engagement Partner of Project Eid n’ Smile.