About Me:I got involved in philanthropy after I had realized that if I wanted a better world, then I had to do more than hope for it - I had to get involved.
I currently support and volunteer with organizations that help At-Risk teens and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
"I believe if we want change we need to use our power to make a difference."
For a child, having a small toy to play with is usually a welcomed break from homework and chores, but for thousands of underprivileged children this Ramadan, the gifts they will soon be receiving as part of the Toys of Hope initiative will be bringing immeasurable happiness and hope.
Hearing about the initiative, on Play 99.6 FM, a local Jordanian radio station, Queen Rania called into the station's morning show an voiced her support for the project.
"All of our small efforts combined can make a huge difference," said the Queen during her first radio-call, "The idea isn’t just how much you can give, it’s how much of yourself you can give."
Inspired by the simplicity of Toys of Hope, the Queen said, "The initiative teaches us that you don't have to be super rich or famous or influential to make a difference. It teaches us that each one of us has the power to make a difference and to help others and to be part of the changes we want to see, so I hope this galvanizes people to take action."
Encouraging the station and its listeners to continue harnessing their energy in such productive ways, the Queen said, "During the month of Ramadan it's great to do this, but we should be doing this also throughout the rest of the year, and that's really what Jordan is about. It's about being a closely knit family where everyone cares about everyone else, where everyone takes the initiative to think of everyone else and try to help out."
Queen Rania had also stopped by a nearby supermarket with one of her daughters to drop off a generous donation of toys. When asked about it on air, the Queen said, "It was such a rewarding experience to feel that you're doing something good. You've managed, through a very simple project, a very simple idea, to capture what Ramadan is about – it's about compassionate giving and caring for others and to really channel that spirit into something very productive and positive. So I hope through your initiative you've managed to bring a lot of 'play time' to all of our children."
- If you would like to give to a Toys of Hope, there is a New York Based organization, Please visit Toys of Hope
