MORE donations poured in yesterday in support of a national campaign to mitigate the impact of coronavirus (Covid-19) on people and businesses, writes the GDN's Noor Zahra.

The ‘Feena Khair’ (There is Good in Us) was launched last week by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty King Hamad’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs, Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF) board of trustees chairman, National Security Adviser and Supreme Council for Youth and Sport chairman.

The foundation said the fundraising drive was aimed at mitigating the economic impact of Covid-19 on individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic.

The GDN reported yesterday that a whopping BD20 million was raised in less than 24 hours, with Shaikh Nasser among the first to join the campaign by personally contributing BD1m.

Yesterday, companies affiliated with the National Oil and Gas Authority donated $18m (BD6.8m).

Bapco donated $10.5m, while Tatweer gave $5.5m, Banagas $1m and GPIC $1m.

Meanwhile, Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) has donated BD250,000 to the campaign.

The donation follows on the heels of the bank’s BD30,000 donation to its customers who are members of the medical teams working on the frontlines to combat Covid-19 at government hospitals and health centres, in addition to the BD30,000 donation to the Capital Governorate’s ‘Together We Care’ campaign which was launched to support the underprivileged and those who have been adversely affected by the virus, by providing much-needed meals.

Earlier in the day, microfinancing Ebdaa Bank announced a donation of BD10,000 to the campaign.

“The bank, which works in the field of microfinance with a capital that does not exceed BD2.2 million, decided to provide this donation as a gesture that affirms the bank’s constant desire to support the pressing issues in Bahrain, and to contribute as much as possible in the national efforts to combat and prevent the spread of coronavirus,” said board of directors chairman Mona Almoayyed in a statement yesterday.

RHF secretary general Dr Mustafa Al Sayed said yesterday Shaikh Nasser has praised the rapid response to the funds appeal.

“Shaikh Nasser praised the quick participation of citizens in the ‘Feena Khair’ (There is Good in Us) national campaign,” he said in a statement.

“He said it perfectly symbolises the unity in the Bahraini society; people raced to donate money.

“He said the campaign was part of initiatives which His Majesty King Hamad took to ensure the safety of all people in Bahrain since the outbreak of the disease.

“Bahraini people proved to the world that we stand together to combat the coronavirus.”

Shaikh Nasser also said the generosity of citizens, companies, banks, establishments, charities and children will be remembered.

He also praised efforts by the medical team working on the frontlines in combating the virus.

People can still donate to the cause by visiting www.rco.gov.bh or by transferring the amount to the National Bank of Bahrain – Account Name: MOFNE The National Effort to Combat the Coronavirus Covid 19, IBAN: BH66NBOB00000082109370.

The campaign will continue until after Ramadan.

The GDN reported yesterday that banking institutions, family businesses, private corporations, telecom providers, the National Assembly and government-owned companies generously contributed during an online drive launched by RHF.

More than BD1m was raised from contributions by Bahraini citizens.

National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) donated BD3.8m, Batelco BD3.5m, Alba BD3.5m and Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) BD3m.

The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry previously donated BD1.5m towards the campaign and added BD300,000 along with providing its former premises for use by the Covid-19 task force.

The GDN earlier reported that cash, food, medical equipment and logistical needs can be donated to the campaign.

Dr Al Sayed said the fundraising campaign was an extension of the wide range of measures taken by the government including the financial stimulus package to help the private sector and individuals overcome this unprecedented crisis.

Last night, Information Affairs Minister Ali Al Rumaihi thanked the contributors for the success of the special programme aired on Bahrain TV as part of the campaign.