ROTA Hosts Garangao at HMC and Rumailah Paediatric Wards

Doha, July 16 (QNA) - Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) celebrated Garangao with young patients at Hamad Hospital's Paediatric Ward and Rumailah Hospital's Children's Rehabilitation Centre as part of its Ramadan 2014 Project called 'Sharing Blessings'. Garangao, often called 'The Festival of Children', is observed on 14th day of the holy month of Ramadan every year. ROTA traditionally hosts special events to mark this joyous occasion and provide new treats for children, the non-profit organisation said Wednesday. This year ROTA hosted the event, sponsored by Occidental Petroleum of Qatar (Oxy Qatar), in two special locations for vulnerable children in the local community: outside , 'My Gym' in Rumailah Hospital that provides a soft play area suited to the requirements of children with special needs, as well as in Hamad Hospital's Paediatric Ward. ROTA volunteers played with the children and distributed bags filled with sweets and toys, while they all joined together to sing the traditional Garangao song. ROTA National Programme Director Mohamed Al Saleh said, "Garangao celebration at Hamad and Rumailah Hospital reiterates our commitment to giving back to the local community. "Garangao is about celebrating and preserving our heritage, and by doing so, ROTA reached out to share happiness in these children's lives. This is poignant during the Holy Month of Ramadan, where it is customary to reach out to the less fortunate. Oxy Qatar General Manager Steve Kelly said, "We are honoured to support all of ROTA's initiatives during this time of year and participate in the festivity of the joyous Garangao celebrations with the children and our volunteers at Hamad Hospitals Pediatric Ward." ROTA's Volunteer Programme Manager George Tavola said, "It was a joy celebrating Garango with children. I thank our volunteers for being part of all our initiatives this month. It is a privilege to work with them." ROTA's Ramadan campaign Sharing Blessings also includes extensive renovations at the Bangladesh school in Abu Hamour, as well as other special Iftar meals with community-based institutions. ROTA volunteers have distributed groceries to over 100 needy families. (QNA)