By Fariha Eshrat
We often do little acts throughout the day that benefit others – whether it’s holding a door, directing someone who’s lost, helping your neighbor with the groceries, or even bringing a box of donuts to work. This is all in congruence with the spirit of volunteering. Recent research has shown that volunteering leads to better health: it can reduce mortality rate by increasing functional ability, lowering risk of depression, and increasing feelings of self-worth. Volunteering adds a sense of purpose for anyone experiencing the loss of role identities. Volunteers were shown to have greater energy and strength, increased social connections and better cognitive function than their counterparts. It has also been shown that those who give support have lower mortality rates than those who were given support. Research has also proven that those who volunteer feel like they have more time and those who donate feel wealthier.
With all the advantages of volunteering laid out, you might be wondering where are some good places to volunteer in Riyadh. Well, that’s where SMILE comes in.
SMILE is a volunteer-run cancer support group. Although we sometimes work with adults, most of our work is centered around and for children. Our events are aimed to bring play and joy to the lackluster hospital wards of Riyadh and bring smiles to the children admitted there. Founded in 2013, SMILE has served over 800 patients with the help of over 600 volunteers. Our volunteers work in all aspects of the events, from planning to marketing to gathering finances and executing the events. Volunteers can either choose to attend an event and participate in play with the children or be part of the managing team. At the end of the day, most of our volunteers return to participate more and it’s an experience they cherish. Here are some volunteer accounts of their experience with SMILE:
“The first event I attended was at the King Fahad National Children’s Cancer Center. I met one of the bravest cancer fighters that day, little Obada Malibary. It was my first exposure with cancer patients and it was nice to see the smiles being drawn on their faces.” – Hamdi Tamimi
“I’ve had the opportunity to attend a few events till now and every event I’ve attended is imprinted in my mind. During the carnival last year, I was in charge of the sand coloring area and there was a child who was shy at the beginning of his visit. Gradually he began to talk to me about his interest in drawing and that conversation was so filled with hope that it has really changed how I feel and guided me.” – Hadil Kebbe
“I had met a child named Azooz and gotten quite close to him. One day when he was really ill and was placed in isolation, his mother called me to ask if I could come by after the SMILE event that he couldn’t attend. I was so honored and after I went to him, I saw the most beautiful smile on his face. This really made me feel like I am making a difference.” – Rakan AlQabbani
“If you can build a good relation with the patients, you will see lots of stories that really touch you. What has inspired me most from my time with SMILE is the story of how we started and how we work with each other. In the beginning, we were just four people. Slowly we realized the need for multiple teams and when we got enough volunteers, we started to train them. I can see that all our small difficulties have flourished into inspiring successes. We understand each other and we’re a big family and that inspires me to believe that we can do even more.” – Nouran Melibary
“I remember attending the Candylawa event. It was an event for children who were allowed to leave the hospital in between their chemo treatment. I remember a quiet, little girl who was watching all the children play from her wheelchair, so I asked if she wanted to play but she refused. Later in the day, her mother contacted us and asked to invite her for future events when she’s more fit. When she was receiving her last dose of chemo, she arrived at one of our other events all the way from outside Riyadh. She told me how much she appreciated what we do and that seeing our social media makes her feel stronger because she knows she isn’t alone. I was so touched. It really made me see the impact of our work. Unfortunately she suffered some reactions and is with us no more, may she Rest In Peace.” – Sami Otaibi
If you are interested to sign up or have any further questions, check out the link on our social media bio or send us an email. We look forward to working with you!
Smile, You’re Blessed
Al Faisal University
Email: smile@alfaisal.edu
Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook: @smileurblessed
Twitter: @smileur_blessed
