Ramadan love packages for Dubai restroom attendants

In the spirit of giving back, Dubai comedy school has started an initiative that urges the public to acknowledge restroom attendants during the holy month. Under 'Catch a Smile' campaign, Dubomedy Arts invited social media users to distribute gift packages to restroom attendants in random malls across the UAE anytime from June 17 to 19.
The on-going initiative is under the school's volunteering project "Clowns Who Care" that involves performing random acts of kindness to appreciate the special needs, senior centres, charity organisations and unrecognised individuals of the society every month.
"For Ramadan, I wanted to target bathroom attendants as they have a difficult job and often go unnoticed," said Mina Liccione, the school's co-founder. "Smiles are contagious, so let's make sure they catch one."
Volunteers will create their own gift packages that can include dates, perfumes/oils, dried food products, spices, calling cards, dental care supplies or clothes and deliver them to their nearest shopping centre restrooms.
Liccione stated that the feedback has been "very positive" and volunteers have signed up for five malls.
"Catch a Smile is meant to remind people that kindness goes a long way and people will pay it forward," said Liccione. She warned against taking pictures of the attendants.
The campaign's previous acts of kindness involved surprising nominated teachers and mentors with gifts bags. The act was in the honour of an American University of Sharjah Professor Ken East who passed away in 2014.
"Many of (the teachers) cried. They loved the fact that they were acknowledged," said Liccione.
She added: "Being able to combine my two passions of performing with giving back is the greatest thing in the world to me. As a comedian, it's literally my job to make the world a happier place." To join the campaign, sign up for a mall in your area on the Facebook page: "Catch A Smile - Ramadan Acts of Kindness (June 17-19)." Initiative founders have urged spreading the word and forming groups with friends and family for more impact in one mall visit.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com

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