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Seeking stability [Week, The (Oman)](Week, The (Oman) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) To generate a stable income, Dar al Atta'a is raising funds to construct a building where it will be able to rent out office spaces to companies and businesses. "What we've decided after 12 years is that it's high time we secure ourselves and secure our income," said May al Bayat, marketing manager of Dar al Atta'a, during an Open Day held last week. "Our income is not stable, it's seasonal." Throughout the year, the organisation relies on corporate houses or individuals for funds; often times companies will donate more during Ramadan compared to the rest of the year. "The association is growing, the number of staff members is increasing and we have a lot of costs to cover," May said. To remain stable and committed to those dependent on its donations, the organisation plans on having the building as the overall source of income for its work. After meeting with experts, Dar al Atta'a has determined the value of the building at RO1.5mn, and has begun taking steps towards securing the amount. The building is expected to be ready by 2017. Earlier in April, Dar al Atta'a held its annual ball where all the proceeds were placed for the building. Half a million rials were raised at the ball, some of the main contributions coming from G Energy (RO180,000), WJ Towell (RO50,000), Khimji Ramdas (RO50,000) and the Assarain Group (RO50,0000). With one more million rials left to raise, Dar al Atta'a will begin launching a number of events and campaigns which have been lined up aimed at garnering support to constructing the building. During Ramadan, a campaign at local malls (Muscat Grand Mall, Muscat City Centre and Qurum City Center) will involve kiosks selling gift items with all proceeds going towards the building. Volunteers will be giving out information to individuals wanting to learn more about the building and how they can contribute. It will be marketed under the slogan 'The love of giving brings us together'. "We thought that a very small part of the building can be for Dar al Atta'a, for our workshops, our seminars and our meetings with volunteers. It can be used for a small storage area for the things donated by people," May said. "We also want to utilise a small area for empowerment programmes. If there are ladies who need a workshop or training or lectures, we'll have our place. We don't need to rent." Additionally, Dar al Atta'a, in partnership with HSBC, is hosting a charity art auction for its premium customers at Grand Hyatt Muscat on May 11, where the proceeds from the auctioned works will go towards the building. Similarly, businessman Gopal Jagwani will be organising a golf tournament, his third event with Dar al Atta'a, on November 1, giving companies the chance to nominate their employees and raise money towards the building. The event is set to be inaugurated by H E Dr Mohammed al Rumhi, Minister of Oil and Gas. For those interested in donating to the cause, they can do so online through donate.om, at Dar al Atta'a's office in MQ or through wire transfers. By Ramadan, Dar al Atta'a will also have electronic ATM machines for donations located at Muscat and Qurum City Centre, Muscat Grand Mall and Al Raffah Hospitals, as well as other local hot spots, where donations can be made electronically for the building as well as the organisation's charity projects. "Like this, it's going to be so easy and reachable for everyone," said May. "We're offering people the chance to donate from their seats, wherever they are." (c) 2014 Apex Press and Publishing Provided by Syndigate.info, an Albawaba.com company |