BEIRUT, Friday, December 20, 2013, Governor of Beirut, Nassif Kalouche, officially opens the Ahla Fawda Garden to the city at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Hamra Street, in the presence of over 50 invited guests and VIPs.   

"It is very reassuring to see private citizens getting involved in the development and improvement of their city," said Governor Kalouche. "We praise the Ahla Fawda team for taking this initiative. If all hands joined together, we can achieve anything," he added. 

The magnificent olive tree stands in the centre of the festive lit and decorated green space, located on the intersection by Zahar store on Alfred Noble Street, off Hamra Street and opposite the Piccadilly.

"Although small, this green space is a first step on a journey to a cleaner, healthier, and beautiful city, said the Ahla Fawda president and founder, Imane Assaf; a mother of three, and a passionate philanthropist. 

"There are not enough gardens in Beirut," said Assaf. "To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. We want to make a better future for our children and for all of us.

"Hamra Street is the heartbeat of Beirut. It encompasses all the differences of views, religions, and communities and brings them together. It is a dominant area where these divisions are not defined. With such roots, it's only natural to want to expand the soul of these streets into beautiful portraits of art and greenery for all to enjoy and eventually experience throughout Beirut," she continued.

TV personality Muna Abu Hamze, a supporter, commenting on this symbolic step said:  "This is very encouraging, especially in these times of conflict, to see citizens wanting to individually spread joy and beauty in our city. It inspires hope that there are still people working for others."  

The garden received support from the Hamra Businessmen Association and the lead sponsors, Al-Mawarid Bank, Bank Audi, and BBAC (Bank of Beirut and the Arab Countries). It will be managed by the Ahla Fawda Association. 

Ahla Fawda is a non-profit organization, governed by volunteers of mainly women and one lucky man, who decided to be proactive in improving their community and neighborhood.

Their mission and time is dedicated to make Beirut, starting with Hamra Street, more vibrant, green and beautiful, as well as, to help transform the outdoor spaces and make them more inviting and accessible for the communities, particularly, for the physically challenged and wheel chair bound.

The Ahla Fawda's first project was successfully implemented in 2012 with the Hamra Street Halloween Parade, as part of its mission to spread joy. The Hamra Street Halloween Parade has since become an annual event, witnessing another success for the second consecutive year, this past November. 

All proceeds from events will benefit Ahla Fawda's programs and activities such as to heighten peoples' awareness of pedestrian passages by creating low curb crossing, giving access to wheel chairs and baby strollers; planting and painting Hamra beautiful; lighting of Hamra Street, and the annual Hamra Street Halloween Parade, to name just a few projects lined up for 2014.

To end this year with more joy, Ahla Fawda is organizing a day with Santa on Hamra Street, on December 25. Santa will be available to take pictures with visitors from 4pm.

For more information, photographs or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Media Relations:
Hala Nasreddine
Mobile: 76701607
Email: Press@ahlafawda.org
Email : info@ahlafawda.org
Ahla Fawda on Facebook and Twitter
Ahla Fawda Goals and Mission Statement 
- Joy should be part of everyone's life, especially the young ones.  
- Utilizing joy and constructive efforts to create a beautiful and green environment. 

© Press Release 2013