JEDDAH, 9 October 2005 — The National Home Health Care Foundation (NHHCF) works to bring happiness to patients and their relatives, says Princess Adelah bint Abdullah ibn Abdul Aziz, president of the foundation.
“Our Islamic faith encourages us to engage in charitable activities and support the needy,” the princess said while opening the 6th Magic Carpet Festival sponsored by the organization in the presence of Princess Sarah Al-Anqari.
The charity festival, being held near Toys R Us on Jeddah’s Al-Andalus Street, attracted more than 3,000 people on the first two days. It will remain open until Tuesday, according to Nadia Alzuhair, executive director of the program.
There are 150 stalls displaying home accessories, clothes, jewelry, food, plants and paintings. The rent for the stalls ranges from SR5,000 to SR30,000 for six days. The festival is sponsored by 15 companies, including Kingdom Holding Company.
In her opening address, Princess Adelah commended the efforts made by the foundation, sponsors, volunteers and participants in making the event a success. All the profits from the festival, she said, would be used for the treatment of poor patients, who are still in hospitals.
Princess Adelah said that the first three people who participated in the charity event would be given stalls free of charge.
NHHCF’s branch office in the Western Province has helped more than 1,000 patients since its inception. Amal Naqshbandi, one of the founding members, explained that many patients had achieved recovery as a result of the charity’s help.
Most visitors have been impressed by the festival. Suhair Albabli, an Egyptian actress, said she found it very interesting. “I honestly appreciate the foundation’s humanitarian activities. The holy month of Ramadan encourages people to spend their money to help others.”
Albabli commended the festival’s organizers and their welcoming gesture. What made it special, she added, is that people can enjoy the place because of the peaceful and calm atmosphere.
Leila Niyazi, who participated in the festival with her handicrafts, said she was glad to present Saudi women as a talented and creative group. “I found another chance to present my collections,” said Niyazi.
Visitors are requested to support the foundation’s programs by filling a subscription form. The charity has set up a number of committees for sales, entertainment, human resources, public relations committee and child care. People can participate in its activities according to their free time — once a week or once or twice a month, etc.
