Students from the KAUST School volunteer their time to assemble gift boxes for families in Thuwal as part of the Sharing is Caring campaign. By Arnaud Lery.
For a second year, the KAUST community came together to celebrate the joys of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr with neighbors in Thuwal.
The KAUST Sharing is Caring campaign began during the holy month of Ramadan. It is an annual opportunity for University residents of all ages to take part in an important time of year for Saudi Arabia and the wider Muslim world. This year, the community supported more than 1,000 people most in need, such as children with special needs and families who have suffered the loss of a head of the household.
Under the campaign’s Ramadan Food Pantry, KAUST donated healthy seasonal food and cooking supplies to support families in preparing their meals. For the Eid Gift Boxes, members of the KAUST community donated fun educational books, toys and greeting cards with heartfelt messages.
Seventy KAUST volunteers (aged 3 to 60) helped in all areas of the campaign, including advertising and raising awareness, assembling gift boxes and bringing the gifts to Thuwal. Success in the campaign would not have been possible without the volunteers and special collaboration with The KAUST School, Matjar, Tamimi, Jarir Bookstore, and the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. This year, generous support also came from the proceeds of the Community Life Abaya Fashion Show.
The Sharing is Caring campaign is administered by KAUST Social Responsibility as part of its Takamul program, a robust suite of educational and well-being initiatives for targeted groups in Thuwal. The University aims to provide opportunities for the KAUST community to engage with neighbors and works closely with Thuwal’s Al-Bir social association to ensure that the University contributes in the most impactful ways possible.
