Sharing is Caring 2020 - Successfully Adapted for COVID-19

The Sharing is Caring campaign takes place each year in advance of Ramadan and is an opportunity for the KAUST community to prepare meaningful gifts and messages of celebration for its neighbors in Thuwal.  Unfortunately, adherence to restrictions to protect against COVID-19 has meant that preparation this year has had to be without the valued input of the KAUST community, but, with support from our partners in Thuwal, SMSA Express, the Albir Society and trained volunteers, over 1100 boxes of healthy food items have been delivered.

As it became apparent that COVID-19 would affect the fifth annual Sharing is Caring, steps were taken to mitigate the impact.  KAUST Health and Safety delivered online food hygiene training to our delivery partners, SMSA Express, and co-ordinated online Red Crescent training and certification in infection control for the seven Thuwal volunteers recruited by Thuwal Albir Society.  KAUST HSE ensured SMSA and the volunteers assisting with the deliveries, were equipped with personal protection equipment of masks and gloves. 

The SMSA and volunteer team delivered 600 food baskets and 5,640 (470 boxes) of frozen chicken to 430 families over three consecutive days.  Accompanying the food baskets, 800 bottles of antibacterial gel were delivered to help with hand cleanliness and 500 information leaflets, advising safe household hygiene practices to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19.  

Sharing is Caring is part of KAUST’s Aljar Program, an ongoing initiative that focuses on economically disadvantaged families, orphans and persons with disabilities.  This year, KAUST was pleased that Sharing is Caring could support the Barran bi Makkah program, instigated by the Makkah governorate to support families and small businesses impacted by the precautionary measures introduced to combat COVID-19. 

KAUST Social Responsibility is dedicated to advancing the KAUST mission of being a good neighbor and responsible citizen, and ensuring that intellectual and social capital is used to sustainably improve quality of life in our neighboring communities.

April 29, 2020