Non-Muslims breaking their fast at the ‘Fast-a-Thon’ held at the Hyatt Plaza yesterday. Abdul Basit
DOHA: More than 250 people from various nationalities came forward to participate and support the unique charity event organised by Hyatt Plaza shopping mall together with the Sheikh Thani Bin Abdullah Al Thani’s Foundation for Humanitarian Services (RAF).
The event, named Fastathon, took place in Hyatt Plaza shopping mall and the proceedings will be donated to the Syrian refugees.
The event was exclusively for non-Muslims where for every person who registered and fasted, Hyatt Plaza and RAF will donate QR200 on their behalf to the Syrian refugees.
As part of Fast-a-Thon , an iftar party was arranged at Hyatt Plaza food court yesterday and participants were invited to share their experiences of fasting for a good cause.
“It was indeed a unique opportunity, both to experience fasting and to help the people in need. Waking up early, living the whole day without food and doing everything for a noble objective, I feel happy to have received such an opportunity to help the refugees of Syria” said Natasha, a British expat who participated in Fast-a-Thon 2013.
“We are humbled by the support we receive from our customers and the society towards this noble initiative.” said Feroz Moideen, General Manager, Hyatt Plaza shopping mall.
“With RAF as our partners, we are confident that our efforts and the proceedings of Fastathon will create a positive difference to the most deserving Syrian refugees,” he added.
Adam Abu Zuhri, an Islamic and cultural presenter from Fanar explained the mechanism of fasting to the participants during an orientation session on Friday.
“This event not only encourages non-Muslims to experience Ramadan life in Qatar but it’s an effective way to help the needy people without paying from one’s own pocket. The main purpose behind Fast-a-Thon is not just to help others but to sense ourselves what it feels like when a child or mother is hungry and thirsty,” said Adam.
“On behalf of RAF, I would like to thank Hyatt Plaza shopping mall for organising this event and demonstrating that the private sector can play a very important role in helping the society and giving back to the people in need,” said Mohammed Salah Ibrahim, Executive Manager, RAF.
The charity event is organized by Hyatt Plaza for the fourth consecutive year, with Fast-a-Thon 2010 supporting the flood victims of Pakistan, Fast-a-Thon 2011 supporting the people of Somalia and Fast-a-Thon 2012 supporting the underprivileged people of the republic of Niger.
The Peninsula
