Maryland Charity Supporting Children in Gaza: A South Asian Initiative
A charity run by South Asian Americans is making waves in the humanitarian world by supporting children in the war-torn region of Gaza. Bloom Charity, dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children worldwide, raised an impressive $158,000 at a gala in November. The organization has ambitious plans to raise between $500,000 to $1 million to address the growing needs in Gaza once the war comes to an end.
Co-founders Amina Shams and Uzma Ahmad, two sisters with over four decades of service to their faith community, Montgomery County, and Maryland, are leading the charge at Bloom Charity. Their dedication to serving others has been unwavering, propelling the organization to new heights. Shams and Ahmad are committed to focusing on initiatives that strengthen the mental health and resilience of children in Gaza during these challenging times.
Empowering Vulnerable Children
Bloom Charity, powered by a team of nine individuals, with eight being women, has a strong focus on mental health, early childhood development, food security, and education. Through global operations, the organization supports orphaned and at-risk children by providing safe recreational spaces, enrichment activities, and crisis response initiatives. By emphasizing community-driven solutions and employing local talent, Bloom Charity ensures that its projects have a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
Transformative Impact
In its six years of operation, Bloom Charity has established 10 PlayGardens in orphanages across Morocco, benefitting over 3,000 children. These projects have collectively generated over $1 million in impact value, significantly improving the lives of vulnerable children. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Bloom Charity successfully hosted two reunions for parents who adopted children from Moroccan orphanages, fostering a sense of connection and support among adoptive families.
Celebrating Palestinian Culture
The recent gala held by Bloom Charity in November was a testament to the power of collective effort and compassion. With 340 supporters in attendance, the event featured inspiring speakers, cultural performances, an art auction, and more. The evening was not just about fundraising but also a celebration of Palestinian culture, with captivating performances by the all-female Dabke group, Malikat Al Dabke.
The presence of noted Palestinian activists, such as Isra Chaker and Knafeh Queen, added to the excitement of the night. Their advocacy and auctioning of Knafeh pies and chocolates not only delighted attendees but also raised additional funds for the cause. The event highlighted the transformative power of coming together with purpose and compassion, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
