Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, Governor of Al-Ahsa, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Muath bin Ibrahim Al-Jaafari, inaugurated the second edition of the “Joy of Fasting 2” This project is implemented by the Sanad Association for Social Responsibility in strategic partnership with King Faisal University. It is one of several high-quality Ramadan initiatives aimed at strengthening the values of social solidarity and promoting a culture of road safety during the holy month.
Background of the initiative and its societal importance
Charitable initiatives during the holy month of Ramadan hold special significance in Saudi society, where the values of giving and compassion are embodied. Among the most prominent of these initiatives, which are widespread throughout the Kingdom, are projects providing iftar meals for those fasting. The "Joy of a Fasting Person" project stems from a deep understanding of a pressing social phenomenon: the increased speeding and traffic accidents in the hours leading up to Maghrib prayer, as many rush home to break their fast. Thus, the project was conceived as a preventative and humanitarian solution that combines feeding those fasting with preserving lives, making it a pioneering model of sustainable community work.
Project objectives and expected impact
The current iteration of the “Joy of Fasting People 2” project aims to distribute over 70,000 ready-made iftar meals to drivers at major intersections and on vital roads in Al-Ahsa Governorate throughout the month of Ramadan. This direct intervention is expected to contribute to achieving several strategic objectives, most notably:
- Reducing traffic accidents: By providing a quick breakfast for drivers, the project reduces the need for speed and haste to get home, thus promoting road safety.
- Promoting social solidarity: The project embodies the spirit of brotherhood and cooperation among members of the community, and opens the door for young people to volunteer and participate in serving their community.
- Expanding the humanitarian impact: In a qualitative development this year, the project added a new humanitarian track, which is the distribution of breakfast meals to the companions of patients in hospital emergency departments, in appreciation of their special circumstances and to support them during difficult waiting times.
Leadership support and integrated efforts
During the inauguration ceremony, the Deputy Governor of Al-Ahsa, Mr. Muath Al-Jaafari, affirmed that the project enjoys the direct attention and follow-up of His Highness the Governor. He noted that His Highness's keenness to support high-quality community initiatives embodies the wise leadership's commitment to everything that enhances human well-being and serves the community. He added that His Highness's continuous directives emphasize the importance of integrated efforts between government agencies, the non-profit sector, and academic institutions, contributing to achieving a sustainable impact that aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and enhances the quality of life in the governorate.
For his part, Dr. Mohammed Al-Eid, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sanad Association, explained that the project aligns with the association's focus on impactful initiatives. He expressed his appreciation for the Governor's patronage and support, as well as the Deputy Governor's inauguration and follow-up. He also commended the strategic partnership with King Faisal University, which reflects the role of institutional charitable work in serving the community. In turn, Saud Al-Shuaibi, the project's General Supervisor, confirmed the organizational and logistical readiness of the work teams, emphasizing the implementation of the highest safety standards for volunteers to ensure smooth traffic flow and the achievement of the project's preventative and humanitarian objectives.
