'Spirit of giving'.

A NEW appeal has gone out for support for a project in which special needs children are helping to raise money for their own centre, by creating greeting cards for Eid and Christmas.

They are created each year by children at the Sneha Recreation Centre, run by the Indian Ladies Association.

The 2008 collection, Amidst Colours, explores themes on nature.

The centre is hoping the sale will raise more than BD8,000 to support facilities and services for children.

"ILA's Sneha Recreation Centre for children with special needs is offering a set of 10 new designs for this year," said Sneha Cards marketing co-ordinator Vani Krishnan.

"A range of creative subjects have been given colour and rich expression by the palettes and brushes of our children.

"The cards capture the spirit of joyfulness and giving that is so essential when we exchange greetings in any festive season.

"This is one initiative by the children where they raise money for themselves.

"The cards are an apt choice for any occasion, corporate and personal needs.

"Two companies have already come forward and placed orders for the greeting cards, while the official launch will take place on September 16.

The paintings are created by the children with some assistance from teachers and volunteers.

"The cards are being launched this year with new designs, a new theme and new look," said Mrs Krishnan.

"Children with special needs at the Sneha centre have painted a variety of pictures and the 10 best designs out of them were selected for the 2008 set of greeting cards.

"The cards, created out of artwork produced by the Sneha children through their assisted art programme, are an important component of the Sneha project.

"Our Sneha children acquire skills in functional literacy, numeracy, music, art and craft, which in turn make them more confident.

"Although it is undoubtedly the most ambitious fund-raising venture of the ILA, the project is even more important because it gives expression to their triumph over their disabilities, their courage and unique personalities."

The project was launched in 2000 and has since sold more than 240,000 cards, say officials.

The cards are available blank or with seasonal greetings, as per customer requests.

They can also be customised to include company logos and particular greetings.

Cards are sold in individual boxes of 10, with assorted designs, priced at BD3.

Companies can order in bulk and benefit from special rates.

"Cards can be ordered by companies and businesses by selecting the designs from the printed brochure," added Mrs Krishnan.

"This year, there is a special design for Eid and Christmas.

"More than 30,000 cards are sold annually to major corporate houses and individuals in Bahrain.

"Every year, 30 to 40 companies use our cards for their corporate needs and over 1000 boxes are sold to individuals.

"When you buy a Sneha card, you are gifted a relationship, which makes you a part of this circle of unconditional love and a privilege that lasts a lifetime.

"The cards have a timeless appeal and can be used for any occasion.

"Hence, they are the ideal choice to be bought and used throughout the year."

For more information, or to place an order, contact cards' marketing team members Kundan Shah on 39678592 or Bhavna Shah on 39859816 or e-mail [e-mail].

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