By MOHAMMED TAHA
Every year on September 5, the world observes International Day of Charity, a reminder of the timeless values of giving and volunteerism.
In Oman, these values are deeply woven into the social fabric, where charitable work is seen not only as an act of kindness but also as a cornerstone of social solidarity and sustainable human development.
In this regard, two Omanis stand out as shining examples of the spirit of giving, proving that charity takes many forms – whether through a simple act of blood donation or a lifetime dedicated to elderly care.
New lease on life
For Ahmed al Kharusi, charity began with a promise. In 1983, following a tragic car accident that claimed his brother’s life, he survived only because strangers came forward to donate blood. “From that day,” he recalls, “I promised myself that I would donate blood for as long as I lived.”
Forty-one years on, Kharusi has kept his word. With 217 blood donations under his name, he is among Oman’s most committed blood donors. Each donation, he says, still carries the same sense of meaning as the first.
“Even a single drop of blood can mean an entire life for someone else,” he says. “Charity doesn’t require huge resources, just awareness, and the will to act. Donating blood gives me positive energy and inner peace, besides saving lives of patients, accident victims, and those undergoing critical surgeries.”
His message to the youth is simple – An hour of your time or a few drops of blood can change another person’s world.
Human touch for the elderly
Jokha Mohammed Khamis al Harithiya chose to dedicate hers to those in their twilight years. In 2013, she founded the Ihsaan Association, an organisation that provides vital support to the elderly – offering transport to hospitals, organising social events, and ensuring that no senior citizen is left in isolation.
Her efforts were recognised in 2019 when she received the second prize in the Sultan Qaboos Award for Volunteerism. But for Jokha, the real reward lies in easing the burdens of others.
“I saw the struggles of the elderly trying to reach medical appointments and the loneliness some of them endured,” she says. “That moved me to create an initiative that brings comfort and joy to this precious group.”
Today, Ihsaan runs multiple programmes, from school campaigns that raise awareness about elderly care to providing prosthetics at affordable prices for families with limited income. One of its most impactful initiatives has been fostering programmes, where families provide homes for more than 3,000 seniors without relatives, ensuring they receive housing, food, and healthcare.
The association also operates eight free ambulances to transport the elderly and people with disabilities, filling a critical gap in community healthcare.
“Our greatest challenge is securing sustainable funding,” Jokha admits. “But the community’s support and commitment of our volunteers give us the strength to continue.”
Her message is clear – “Giving is not just about money – it also involves time, care, and human connection. Caring for the elderly is a responsibility we all share. When you look at your parents or grandparents, let them be your inspiration to serve others.”
Lasting gift
From Kharousi’s lifelong dedication to blood donation to Jokha’s mission of dignified elderly care, these stories reflect the depth of Oman’s culture of giving. On this International Day of Charity, their journeys remind us that the simplest acts of kindness can leave the most profound mark, turning compassion into a lasting gift for humanity.
Charitable action
The theme for the International Day of Charity 2025 (September 5) is not yet officially announced, but past themes and the day’s purpose suggest it will likely focus on compassion, solidarity, and global responsibility in charitable action. The day serves to mobilise people, NGOs, and stakeholders to help others through volunteerism and philanthropy.
What you can do as an individual
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