ROSHN and Keswat Farah Set Guinness World Record for Clothing Donation

ROSHN Group, in partnership with Keswat Farah Charity, has secured a new Guinness World Record for the largest clothing donation, collecting over 1.5 million items during a Ramadan drive in 2024. The announcement, made via an official ROSHN press release, highlights a landmark achievement in charitable giving and social responsibility, reflecting the generosity of the Saudi public and the effectiveness of cross-sector collaboration.

Context and Background

The record-setting donation drive was part of ROSHN’s YUHYEEK Social Responsibility Program, which aims to improve the quality of life for those in need across the Kingdom. YUHYEEK, launched by ROSHN, focuses on community empowerment, environmental sustainability, and strategic partnerships with non-profit organizations. Keswat Farah, a charity dedicated to clothing distribution, played a pivotal role in mobilizing volunteers and managing logistics. The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader social responsibility goals and Vision 2030’s emphasis on enhancing societal welfare and volunteerism.

Key Details

The campaign, conducted during the holy month of Ramadan, received contributions from over 1.5 million clothing items donated by the Saudi public. More than 3,500 volunteers from Keswat Farah, the community, and ROSHN employees dedicated over 70,000 hours to collect and organize the donations in the first half of 2024. Guinness World Records recognized this as the single largest clothing donation in one go. Additionally, the drive contributed to environmental sustainability by mitigating nearly 18,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions through the reuse of pre-owned clothing. Ghada AlRumayan, Chief Marketing Officer of ROSHN Group, praised the initiative, stating, “These clothing drives, which have been undertaken in partnership with charities including Keswat Farah, will make a meaningful difference to the lives of tens of thousands of people.” She also expressed gratitude to donors, highlighting the compassion of Saudi society.

Implications and Impact

This Guinness World Record not only underscores Saudi Arabia’s philanthropic spirit but also sets a benchmark for corporate-charity partnerships in the region. The massive volunteer engagement demonstrates the growing culture of volunteerism in the Kingdom, a key objective of Vision 2030. The environmental benefit of reusing clothing instead of manufacturing new items supports Saudi Arabia’s sustainability goals and circular economy ambitions. Furthermore, the initiative enhances ROSHN’s reputation as a socially responsible developer and reinforces the role of the non-profit sector in national development.

20 Questions

Q1. What Guinness World Record did ROSHN and Keswat Farah set?

A1. They set the Guinness World Record for the largest clothing donation, collecting over 1.5 million items in a single drive during Ramadan 2024, as announced in a ROSHN press release.

Q2. When did the record-setting donation drive take place?

A2. The drive took place during Ramadan in 2024, with the collection and organization efforts spanning the first half of the year. The official announcement was made on June 5, 2024.

Q3. How many clothing items were donated?

A3. Over 1.5 million clothing items were donated by the Saudi public, contributing to the record for the largest single clothing donation in one go, as certified by Guinness World Records.

Q4. How many volunteers participated in the donation drive?

A4. More than 3,500 volunteers from Keswat Farah, the Saudi public, and ROSHN employees participated, dedicating over 70,000 hours to collect and arrange the donations efficiently.

Q5. What is the YUHYEEK Social Responsibility Program?

A5. YUHYEEK is ROSHN’s social responsibility program aimed at raising the quality of life for those in need through partnerships with leading non-profit organizations, focusing on community welfare and environmental sustainability.

Q6. How did the donation drive contribute to environmental sustainability?

A6. By giving pre-owned clothing a new lease of life, the drive mitigated almost 18,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions, supporting environmental sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint associated with new clothing manufacturing.

Q7. Who is Ghada AlRumayan?

A7. Ghada AlRumayan is the Chief Marketing Officer of ROSHN Group. She emphasized the company’s dedication to society and expressed gratitude to donors for their generosity and compassion.

Q8. What did Ghada AlRumayan say about the initiative?

A8. She stated that the clothing drives would make a meaningful difference to the lives of tens of thousands of people and highlighted the generosity and compassion of Saudi society, thanking all donors for their contributions.

Q9. What role did Keswat Farah play in the donation drive?

A9. Keswat Farah Charity partnered with ROSHN to mobilize volunteers, manage logistics, and ensure the efficient collection and distribution of over 1.5 million clothing items during the Ramadan campaign.

Q10. How does this initiative align with Vision 2030?

A10. It aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting volunteerism, enhancing social welfare, and supporting environmental sustainability. These efforts contribute to the Kingdom’s goals of a vibrant society and a sustainable future.

Q11. What is the significance of the Guinness World Record for Saudi Arabia?

A11. The record showcases Saudi Arabia’s philanthropic spirit, the effectiveness of corporate-charity partnerships, and the power of community mobilization, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in humanitarian efforts on a global scale.

Q12. How many hours did volunteers contribute?

A12. Volunteers contributed more than 70,000 hours to collect and arrange the donations, demonstrating exceptional dedication and community spirit throughout the first half of 2024.

Q13. What was the environmental impact of the donation drive?

A13. The drive mitigated almost 18,000 kilograms of CO2 by reusing clothing instead of manufacturing new items, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s environmental goals and promoting a circular economy.

Q14. What is ROSHN Group known for?

A14. ROSHN Group is a leading Saudi real estate developer known for creating integrated communities. It is also recognized for its social responsibility initiatives, including the YUHYEEK program.

Q15. How does the YUHYEEK program support those in need?

A15. YUHYEEK supports those in need by partnering with non-profit organizations to provide clothing, improve living conditions, and raise the quality of life, as demonstrated by the record-setting clothing donation drive.

Q16. What message does this record send about Saudi society?

A16. It highlights the generosity, compassion, and solidarity of Saudi society, showcasing the public’s willingness to contribute to charitable causes and support community welfare initiatives.

Q17. What other initiatives has ROSHN undertaken for social responsibility?

A17. ROSHN has undertaken various social responsibility initiatives through YUHYEEK, including clothing drives, community development projects, and partnerships with charities to address social and environmental challenges.

Q18. How can other organizations replicate this success?

A18. Organizations can replicate this success by forming strategic partnerships with charities, engaging volunteers, leveraging corporate resources, and aligning initiatives with community needs and sustainability goals.

Q19. What was the timeline for the donation drive?

A19. The donation drive was conducted during Ramadan 2024, with collection and organization efforts taking place in the first half of the year. The Guinness World Record was officially announced on June 5, 2024.

Q20. What is the expected long-term impact of this initiative?

A20. The initiative is expected to inspire ongoing volunteerism, strengthen non-profit partnerships, and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s social and environmental goals, supporting Vision 2030’s objectives for a prosperous and sustainable society.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This achievement exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of fostering a vibrant society, promoting volunteerism, and ensuring environmental sustainability. By setting a Guinness World Record, ROSHN and Keswat Farah have not only aided those in need but also demonstrated the Kingdom’s commitment to social responsibility and global humanitarian leadership. Such initiatives contribute to a higher quality of life for citizens and residents, reinforcing the nation’s progress towards a brighter future.

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