Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS)  yesterday held a ceremony to celebrate its “This Is My Wish” programme, which fulfils the wishes of ill children treated at hospitals.
Attended by a large number of families and partners, this year’s celebration presented gifts to 60 children with different health problems.
The Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar Institute for Speech and Hearing and Tamakun Comprehensive School selected the beneficiaries.
The ceremony opened with recitation of some parts of the Qur’an followed by QRCS director-general Fahad bin Mohamed al-Naimi’s welcoming of the attendees.
He wished them quick recovery and showed appreciation of the support of parents to their ill children.
“Social development is one of QRCS’s major departments working to serve the Qatari society by helping the vulnerable,” he said.“Supporting patients is a main concern for the department as an effective way to help them recover and withstand their health challenges.”
He noted that “This Is My Wish” was launched in 2007 as a psychological support programme for ill children.
“The initiative is being held annually during Ramadan which has a far-reaching implications, making small dreams of young patients come true,” al-Naimi added.
Hamad General Hospital’s executive director for Community Affairs and Patient Engagement, Maitha S al-Bouainain, lauded QRCS’ programme, saying such activities spread happiness among children and their families.
“May they be rewarded well for their hospitality,” she said.
“We at HMC are open to everyone under our community partnership strategy.
We are willing to work with any partners for the best interest of society as a whole,” al-Bouainain added.
During the ceremony, children received gifts while some mothers were honoured for patiently taking care of their ill children despite difficulties.
Organisers also held fun-filled games to entertain the children.
QRCS is a humanitarian charitable organisation that aims to assist and empower vulnerable individuals and communities without partiality or discrimination.
A member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, QRCS operates locally and internationally and has ongoing international relief and development projects in a number of countries throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe.