Inspired by childhood charity initiatives, Alana McConalogue hopes to bring the spirit of Christmas to some of the island’s poorest residents with a Shoebox Appeal of her own.
She says: “I always took part in the children’s Shoebox Appeal in Ireland when I was growing up. That’s actually what I was looking to do again – to donate a box for a child through a similar initiative here in Bahrain. I couldn’t find one and any I read about had passed the deadline. I wanted to do something, no matter how small, to make someone else’s day a bit brighter, especially at this time of year.
“I don’t know how, but the migrant workers came into my head first and I’m sure most will agree, they work hard and deserve to be recognised so let’s hope we can get plenty of shoeboxes and shoes donated.”
She is urging people to fill boxes with shoes, both new or used in good condition, as well as toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, wipes, shower gel, razors, shaving gel, hand sanitisers and mini shampoos. New socks, gloves and hats are also welcome, but no other clothes, plus non-perishable food items, sweet treats and small gifts such as notebooks and pens or small games.
They will be distributed through the Saturday Biryani Party which visits labour camps, providing hot meals for migrant workers. Alana says: “All shoeboxes are going to the migrant workers this year and I plan to change it each year so, for example, next year maybe we can aim it towards children in orphanages.
“The Saturday Biryani Party already does a fantastic job every week at providing food and drinks to the workers, so this will be like an added bonus to the workers – a little Christmas gift if you like! It was Abbas from the Saturday Biryani Party that mentioned shoes as being the most needed; therefore we are asking for shoes and/or filled shoeboxes to be donated.”
She adds that the response so far has been “fantastic” and she is urging her colleagues at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Medical University Bahrain, where she is a fitness and nutrition consultant in the sports department, to get involved. She’s also hoping for support from the Kingdom’s large Irish contingent, the Irish Society and the Arabian Celts GAA Club, which she’s part of.
The deadline is December 7 and boxes can be dropped off at Bahrain Rugby Football Club on Sundays between 6-8pm; at Flagship Apartments, Amwaj; at reception, RCSI Medical University Bahrain (Sports Department); and to Alana or Abbas directly. Contact them on Alana 36 214-567, Abbas 39 874-541.
Alana concludes: “Anyone who would like to help in any way, whether it be donating shoes or shoeboxes, or spreading the word through their organisations or schools, then please don’t hesitate in contacting me.
“I want to make this an annual thing and the more support I can get in the first appeal the better! We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone”
