Celebrating National Day with a difference

The Society of Friends of Jeddah Parks did something different this year: They took their National Day celebrations off the street.
The society, which founded two parks in the south of the city, hosted its celebrations with the help of volunteers inside the Ameera Park in the Qurrayyat district.
Initial Saudi Arabia Ltd. sponsored the celebrations and provided volunteers. The park is one of a few created and sponsored by the private sector.
Zahra Bundakji, program director of the Society of Friends of Jeddah Parks, was pleased to see so many people with a sense of national pride and enjoyment. “However we recognize the danger that comes with celebrating in the street,” she said.
“We brainstormed different ways to give back to the community and provide our neighbors with a safe and productive environment to celebrate our National Day,” Bundakji said.
“It’s not news to anyone that this day comes with an overload of traffic jams caused by those who take their celebrations to the street,” she said.
Society members and Initial Saudia Arabia Ltd. wanted to provide a hands-on bonding experience for the community and for people to have an opportunity to interact positively with each other.
“This was achieved through programs fostering communication, education, environmental awareness, arts and crafts, Arabic poetry, and theatrical entertainment,” she added.
Volunteers from Naqaa Sustainability Solutions and Haya Nil3b Sawa joined in and helped create a successful event that was enjoyed by more than 3,000 women and children.