A local charity recently held a bazaar here to raise funds for 3,700 orphans in Taif.

The event, organized by the Mawakeb Al-Ajer charity, was held at Al-Kaaki football grounds in Tahlia. More than 22,000 expatriates and citizens turned up for the event.

Abeer Abdul Aziz Noeser, founder of Mawakeb Al-Ajer, said this was the 12th consecutive year the event has been held in the Kingdom. All the proceeds would go to the Charity Committee for Orphans in Taif region, Noeser said.

Visitors were able to buy locally made food, clothing, handicrafts and artwork at affordable prices. There was also entertainment and educational activities for children including snow castles, a live butterfly and bird exhibit, rally racing, shadow theater, puppet show, art and crafts corner, reading garden and murals.

Noeser thanked several volunteers who worked for months organizing the event inviting groups, institutions and residents through social media, e-mails and media outlets. She also praised the government and local firms for their support.

“We recycled all the waste collected during the event. Visitors also contributed and cooperated by keeping the place clean,” she said.

Mariam Yahiya, who attended the festival, said it helped bring people together, and gain knowledge. “It was an extremely fun event and we look forward to having a similar one in future.”