CHARITIES across Bahrain are joining hands to support local businesses and families affected by the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), reports the GDN's Sandeep Singh Grewal.

Fundraising campaigns are being launched by different charitable organisations in the country, with many of them launching awareness drives to raise public understanding of protective measures.

Some have gone a step ahead by installing sanitisers in mosques and community centres in their areas to even urging people to exchange greetings or condolences via mobile phones.

Among the licensed organisations is the A’ali Charity Society, which has launched a campaign to collect money for school bus drivers affected by the suspension of all educational establishments until further notice.

“Many small businesses continue to face economic losses because of Covid-19 and they require assistance to reduce this financial burden,” said A’ali Charity Society secretary general Hussain Al A’ali.

“We have launched a campaign to support school bus drivers and kindergarten teachers in our village affected due to the suspension of classes.”

He said the campaign also covers taxi drivers in A’ali who are hit because of lack of tourists.

The society plans to raise BD6,000 that will be distributed in either cash or food vouchers to the families.

“Many small businesses and retailers are facing the heat and it is our social responsibility to help them out,” added Mr Al A’ali.

“Several charities across the country are teaming up to work together and launch campaigns for specific target groups during this time.”

Mr Al A’ali requested people in Bahrain to generously donate to their local charities who play a vital role to support families and businesses.

“All local campaigns to help those affected due to the Covid-19 should be supported,” he said.

Call 17645188, 39751570, 66355584 or 38889917 to help.

The Hidd Charity Society, meanwhile, is working to support female drivers who transport students to schools.

It said due to the suspension of schools since last month many were facing financial difficulties and has urged people to donate by contacting 33457771.

Another society in Muharraq, the Arad Village Charity Society, has opened registration for families in the area affected by the pandemic to sign up online or by contacting 17224715.

“The Arad Village Charity Society stands with all those affected by Covid-19 including those whose livelihoods are affected,” it said on its Instagram account.

It also urged people in Arad to wash their hands regularly, avoid gatherings, postpone social activities and even use mobile phones to exchange greetings or offer condolences.

The Isa Town Social Charity Society has also installed sanitisers outside mosques and community centres as part of an awareness campaign.

Promotional videos educating the public about the flu-like disease are also being posted as part of social media awareness by the Sadad Social Charity Society, Janusan Charity Society, Hamad Town Social Charity Society, Nuwaidrat Charity Society and other associations, targeting thousands of their followers.

Some have even featured clerics and doctors speaking about the disease and urging people to follow medical and official instructions.

So far, Bahrain has registered 172 positive cases of Covid-19 and one death.

sandy@gdn.com.bh