Amal Al-Sibai

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — Al-Ehsan Care Charity Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing health, social, and recreational programs for elderly men and women in the Jeddah-Makkah region.



Many retirees who join Al-Ehsan become active in teaching and training so that others can benefit from their experience and expertise in a certain field — which may have extended for 40 years or more.



Al-Ehsan has also adopted many renovation projects to improve the living conditions and facilities at the shelters in Jeddah and Makkah.



Recently, Al-Ehsan organized an educational and entertaining visit for elderly women residing in Jeddah’s charity shelters to the historic Ba’eshen house in the old Jeddah area.



The philanthropist, Maha Ba’eshen, invited women to the historically significant house and accompanied them on the orientation tour, showing the women almost every corner of the house inside and out.



She introduced them and explained its historical value, architecture, construction, and the most marked events and memories that took place there and later became an inseparable part of the history of Jeddah.



During the visit, the women shared their own stories of the past. Old memories came back to life and brought joy to their hearts.



Many women were touched by their stroll down the lane of Al-Mathloom, which is considered to be in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Jeddah.



Ba’eshen routinely visits the elderly women in the shelters who are members of Al-Ehsan Association.



However, it was a delightful change for the women to leave the walls of the shelter and embark on a trip to visit the old Jeddah area.



She emphasized the need for providing diverse and interesting activities for the elderly and she commended the innovative and creative programs offered by Al-Ehsan which aims to change stereotypes and improve the traditional programs for seniors.



"The women’s happiness during this visit was evident on their bright faces and cheery chatter. We will continue to find ways to keep these elderly women more involved in community activities, to entertain and support them, and to help them interact with other members of society," said Hessah Al-Ghamdi, public relations director of Al-Ehsan.