ICRF celebrates 25 years, helping 600+ low-income families

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Zahra Ayaz

The Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF) commemorated its 25 years of dedicated service to the community during a press conference held yesterday at the InterContinental Regency, Manama.

The organization, known for its humanitarian efforts, announced that it has provided assistance to more than 600 low-income families in the past year, including the distribution of BD 30,000 to 66 families who lost their breadwinners and earned less than BD 125 per month in Bahrain.

At the press conference, ICRF representatives unveiled a special logo created for the silver jubilee celebrations.

The logo, designed to symbolise their 25 years of service, will be used throughout the year to raise awareness among the community.

Dr. Babu Ramachandran, Mani Lakshmanamoorthy, Arulas Thomas, Pankaj Nallur, Advocate V.K. Thomas, and Bhagwan Asarpota were among the speakers at the event, highlighting the organisation’s achievements and forthcoming programmes.

ICRF outlined their activities and initiatives for the current year, including the ICRF Life Gatekeepers Training, medical camps held every alternate month, awareness outreach programmes at labour camps every Friday, ICRF Workers Day, Inter-School Quiz Competition, Independence Day celebrations, ICRF Legal Awareness Programmes in partnership with LMRA, and ICRF Yoga in collaboration with various social organizations.

The organization also announced the launch of ICRF Thirst Quenchers, a 12-week programme in association with the Ministry of Labour aimed at providing relief during the summer work ban period.

Other events planned by ICRF include the ICRF Sports Day for workers, the ICRF Charity Dinner, Breast Cancer Awareness events, the ICRF Spectra (the largest art carnival with student participation), and Indian heritage festivals.

ICRF has set a target to benefit a minimum of 25,000 workers through its 25th-anniversary program.

The organisation takes pride in having successfully implemented numerous humanitarian activities and supported over 100,000 Indian nationals residing in Bahrain.

The organisation’s community initiatives encompass medical and legal support, welfare assistance, women's outreach events, family welfare fund support, and annual fundraising.

In times of emergencies, ICRF extends its services by providing food rations, temporary shelter, domestic worker support, and a 24-hour helpline service.

During the press conference, ICRF extended an invitation to individuals interested in volunteering and becoming a part of their team.

There are no registration fees, and interested individuals can get in touch with any ICRF member and fill out a Google form to join as volunteers.

The Indian Community Relief Fund continues to make significant contributions to the welfare of low-income families and remains committed to serving the community in Bahrain.