On weekends, the Dar al Atta'a charity shop in Ruwi is abuzz with people looking for good products at affordable prices. The shop, located opposite Fathima Supermarket, sells toys, clothes, books, shoes and many other items for less than a rial. Furniture and electronic items are sold at a reasonable price, which is much less than the market price.
The premises has been given to Dar al Atta'a by the Zubair Corporation. The shop is a fundraising vehicle for the charity organisation, which uses the proceeds for its outreach programmes that help over 50,000 needy people in the sultanate.
"People donate clothes, toys, books and various other things to us and we sell them at cheap prices. While buyers get the items at affordable prices, money collected from such sales is used for helping those in need,'' Rahma Nasser al Amri, director of the assembly at Dar al Atta'a told Muscat Daily.
"I purchased a pair of Italy-made swimming fins for just 400bz, while the new ones in the market will cost around RO18," said Satish K, who also bought toys from the charity shop for less than 200bz.
Shilpa Vikrant, who volunteers at the shop on weekends said, "Sometimes, the stock that comes here in the morning gets sold out by evening."
People also come here to donate items, besides the charity organisation's office at MQ. "We are getting donations from people and organisations, but we still require more so that we can help more people in need.''
Dar al Atta'a helps poor families by providing them with monthly ration, clothes and also helps them on special occasions like Eid.
It has built 40 houses and renovated 300 homes. Under its education care programme, it provides uniforms, books, stationery and daily meals to needy children as well as full and partial scholarships for higher education.
It has also provided over 16,000 children with school supplies and sponsored more than 40 students with scholarships for higher education.
The organisation conducts vocational training programmes and help people with job placements.
Donations can be made at its shop in Ruwi, its MQ office and through www.daralatta.org.
The Ruwi store is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 1pm and 6pm to 9pm.
© Muscat Daily 2012
