Care & Share

On one the visits I had to Iran during a hot summer, as I was walking down a street in an upscale area of Tehran, three teenage boys collecting plastic and recyclable materials from the trash asked me for money to buy food. Since I had always been told that children use money for drugs, I walked past them without paying attention. A few steps ahead, there was a burger shop, and its delicious aroma was genuinely tempting. I turned back and told them, “Come on, let’s go eat,” but I had to leave afterward. They looked at me in surprise! First, I asked them to wash their hands in the courtyard, and then we entered the restaurant. I told them, “Order whatever you like.” At that moment, I wished I were a wealthy person who could bring this kind of happiness to many more children. I will never forget the sparkle of joy in the eyes of those three boys for as long as I live. Unfortunately, they were not allowed to eat inside the restaurant, but they were still pleased to enjoy a warm and delicious meal outside on the street. As I said goodbye, I asked them if they wanted anything else. I thought they might ask for dessert or a soft drink after their meal, but one of them said, “Can you bring us shoes?” Unfortunately, since I didn’t live there, I couldn’t see them again and bring them shoes. When I returned home, I decided to start making shoes and selling them, hoping I could provide some small help to children in need. The assistance began with a charity organization run by philanthropists, named “Faalan – e – Nikookar”  and I have been trying to expand my efforts over time. Fortunately, even if it was just a tiny amount, I could contribute to the relief efforts for the Eaten fire disaster.