Be Free Centre Manager Rana Al-Sairafi, Be Free Director Dr. Soroor Qarooni, Mark Holmans and me.

Zen-Do student Mark Holmans recently donated a staggering BD 500 to Be Free, Bahrain’s leading child anti-abuse and neglect organisation.  Here’s the press release related to the story:

A Zen-Do Kickboxing student donated BD 500 to the Be Free Anti-Child Neglect and Abuse Programme.  Mark Holmans, a British national donated the money at the Be Free Centre in Zinj.  Present were Be Free Director Dr. Soroor Qarooni, Be Free Centre Manager Rana Al-Sairafi and Zen-Do Bahrain Kickboxing Club Founder and Chief Instructor Suhail Algosaibi.

“I recently won a Harely-Davidson motorcycle in a charity event,” said Mr. Holmans.  “Since I’m not interested in motorcycles I thought I’d sell the bike and give a portion of the proceeds to something I’m passionate about,” he added.  “I approached Sensei Suhail Algosaibi and asked if I could make a donation to Zen-Do, and he declined.  He recommended I give the money to Be Free,” he said.  “I was touched by Mark’s desire to donate money to Zen-Do, but we are not a charity, so I recommended that he donate the money to Be Free, which he graciously did.” Explained Suhail Algosaibi.

“I’m delighted and honoured to receive Mr. Holmans’ donation. It will help us set up more seminars and workshops to educate children about the dangers of sexual, and other forms of abuse,” said Be Free Director Dr. Soroor Qarooni.  “ We are very much dependent on the generous donations of individuals like Mr. Holmans, and organisations like Estirad and Zen-Do Bahrain,” she added.  More information can be found at www.be-free.info.

I’m not making this story up.  Mark told me that Zen-Do was something he really enjoyed doing and since he didn’t really earn the money from the sale of the motorcycle, he thought he’d donate some of it to Zen-Do.  I thanked Mark but explained to him that we are a for-profit organisation and that we don’t accept donations.
I further explained that if he really wanted to do donate to a cause that was close to our hearts then he should donate the money to Be Free.  He agreed and we met up there about a week later.  Dr. Soroor Qarooni and Rana Al-Sairafi, two of the amazing women from Be Free, explained to Mark what Be Free was all about, and gave us a tour.  They were really happy to receive his donation.
Mark was very impressed with the Centre and their activities, and promised to provide more financial support through his Golf Club.
Rana later told me that her daughter was surprised to hear that someone would sell his motorcycle and give part of the money to Be Free!  Thanks again Mark for your generosity.