Enviroserve celebrated International E-waste Day

Enviroserve supports Dubai Diamond Lions club’s e-waste awareness drive

Dubai’s first and only E-Waste Processing Facility Enviroserve celebrated International E-waste Day on October 14 by carrying out various activities to raise awareness on this occasion and by joining hands with Dubai Diamond Lions Club’s drive. The Club as part of their global cause Environmental awareness, has initiated the E-Waste Recycling Awareness Campaign. The Club will advocate the importance of e-waste recycling through the collection of e-waste from the public. The Campaign will run for 6 months with various activities planned in partnership with Enviroserve.

Talking on the occasion Lyes Yahiaoui, CEO- Enviroserve, said, “We are living in a consumer driven market, where we all want the new and the latest, therefore there is a fast-growing number of unwanted devices, these products then end up accumulated in the environment, polluting habitats and harming people and wildlife. Enviroserve has been at the forefront in creating awareness and educating the community on the importance of e-waste recycling. This year we have conducted various activities which include launching a video on e-waste on our social media channels, facilitation of unknown recyclers of Enviroserve, and supporting the Dubai Diamond Lions club in their e-waste awareness drive. With these activities, we are hoping to make a difference and promote healthy and sustainable living among the people of the UAE.”

Lion Augusto Di Pietro, International Representative & Coordinating Lion Officer Middle East added, “We live in a society of consumers and throwaway, where electronic gadgets are quickly discarded as newer and more attractive products come to the market. We as Lions, in partnership with Enviroserve, will advocate and bring awareness within our community that E-waste is the fastest growing waste in the world. If such waste is sent to landfills and not properly disposed of then we are potentially creating an environmental disaster. It is important that our community becomes aware of the existence of facilities like Enviroserve so that they can responsibly take their E-waste where it will be adequately recycled and disposed.”

According to the UN, in 2021 each person on the planet will produce on average 7.6 kg of e-waste, meaning that a massive 57.4 million tons will be generated worldwide. Only 17.4 percent of this electronic waste containing a mixture of harmful substances and precious materials will be recorded as being properly collected, treated, and recycled. Many initiatives are taken to tackle this growing concern, but none of them can be fully effective without the active role and correct education of consumers. This year’s International E-Waste Day focused on the crucial part each of us has in making circularity a reality for e-products. 

About Enviroserve:

Founded in Dubai in 2004 by Stuart Fleming and Brian Wilkie, Enviroserve is a pioneer in the electronic waste and refrigerant gas recycling industries in the Middle East and Africa. In 2018, Enviroserve opened The Recycling Hub – the region’s largest integrated electronic waste recycling facility featuring brand protection and IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) services.  Enviroserve is headquartered in Dubai with 8 branch offices in Angola, Georgia, Kenya, Lebanon, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.  https://enviroserve.org/

“My world, my home” an online art exhibition celebrating young minds 

46 young artists are participating at “my world, my home” an art exhibition going online on 23rd of October on Selfie TV

My world, my home is curated by Dubai based artist and educator Kim Oberoi. The show aims to offer a platform to young artists aged from 3yrs to 16 yrs of age an opportunity to exhibit their works to an international audience. There are 45 artists participating in this show and their works will be available from the 23rd of October on Selfie TV. The theme of the show urges young minds to define their own meaning of home. 

Kim Oberoi – Curator of the show explains “ The show aims to highlight the immense talent of young artists and how they view their current reality, with so much that’s changed in the past few years, I feel children need a platform to express themselves and therefore curating this show has been a very rewarding experience for me, I have gotten to learn and appreciate how young minds think. This process has encouraged the artists to think, create and share their thoughts on a canvas.

 “We are very happy to share the stunning creations on our platform, the artworks that have been coming in are extremely personal and express a beautiful narrative of what home means to these artists, the exhibition will be live on our channel from 23rd of October onwards ” adds Sahar Mahmud – Founder of Selfie TV

My world, my home, is an initiative of Kim Oberoi Studios in partnership with w2w Events & PR, Whiterose Creatives & Selfie TV, the show offers inspiration and an insight to the young creative minds that are the future generation of artisans and change makers of our world.

Exhibition: My world, my home

Date: 23rd October 2021

Channel: www.selfietv.co

Curator: Kim Oberoi (www.kimoberoi.com

46 Participating artists: Nathanael laurent Van Den Hende, Amira Alexi Velasco, Joshua Amani, Advay Rao, Maryam Abbasi, Filip Forgrave, Ariana Tavana, Josephine Michele Tausend, Myra Jain, Ameera Hamza Sheikh, Mayukha Chalasani, Iacopi (Joss) Thomas Aliberti, Ayaan Imran Manasawala, Lola Lotte Pannier, Zahabiya Kachwala, Miqdad Kachwala, Yasmina Abboud, Raazia Hasan, Zunairah Bhatty, Ammar Bhatty, Alisa Avrushchenko, Uliana Avrushchenko, Mustafa Abbasi, Khadijah Abbasi, Zidan Nasser, Tara Kaur Siali, Alice Cotte, Omaansh Mahindra, Charlotte Mariola Geierhos, Ibrahim Katanbaf, Sophia Kaur Dosanjh, Audrey, Emily Lucinda Wareing, Alexia Naessens, Amora Katkar, Layan Mahmoud Ammar, Joylyn Qiaoling Pan, Aleena Dhawan, Alina Wiedemeyer, Liya Amina Latif, Advay Kuber, Meher Lalvani, Aneeqa kalandoor, Egor Gorbachev, Ivana Kapil and Anvika Srivasta.

“7 Stages” an Art Exhibition symbolizing the journey of grief

To mark World Mental Health Day, the Chocoholics launches the first ever Art exhibition on grief at Le Meridien Hotel, Dubai on 10th October 2021

“7 Stages” an art exhibition is presented in collaboration with Le Meridien Hotel Dubai and the Chocoholics Grief Support Group, starting on the 10th of October 2021. The exhibition is inspired by Kubler-Ross theory of 7 stages of grief. Senior citizens and caregivers, based on their own personal account of losing a loved one, created the paintings on display. The 25 artworks displayed at the show are cathartic representations of their feelings of dealing with their grief; each artist’s process is unique to their own story.

“Acceptance” by fulltime caregiver Iris Joyce is dedicated to her grandparents

The Chocoholics Grief Support Group in the UAE conceptualized the show, in order to highlight mental health awareness and wellbeing. The group chose to open the exhibition on 10th of October, on World Mental Health Day. This aims to recognize the significance of mental health and also offers an opportunity for support and reassurance through art and creativity.

“Anger” by Terry Pickthall is dedicated to his late son

“The arts have been part of the Chocoholics Grief Support Group since it was launched in April this year reflecting the values of creativity, emotional connections and providing opportunities for inspiration.  By encouraging the group to paint, it’s hard not to notice positive improvements in their moods. The 7 Stages exhibition explores the connections between art and grief and how powerful imagery and creativity can help start a conversation about mental health.” – says Desiree Vlekken, Founder of 4get-me-not Alzheimer’s

“Reconciliation” by Odette Zuzarte; she lost her husband to Covid complications

Sheetal Durve, an artist and mentor working with Chocoholics adds, “I have been involved with Chocoholics for some time now and mentoring them express their feelings on canvas.  With grief as a central theme, it made perfect sense to demonstrate the changing of seasons to communicate the 7 stages. I lost my mother and sister within a span of 6 months in the same year. Painting helped me deal with this tragedy and over time I slowly recovered from the pain and brought a positive attitude in life. By helping others, I also help myself.”

The 7 Stages exhibition will be launched on 10th October, 4 pm and will be open to the public until the 17th of October at Le Meridian Hotel in Dubai.  Silent auction on the works will be held online at www.4get-me-not.org

4get-me-not, is a social enterprise raising awareness on Alzheimer’s disease and promoting quality of life for seniors and caregivers in the UAE since 2013. The Founder, Desiree Vlekken was inspired by her father who had Alzheimer’s and her mother, who was a full time caregiver.  Both her parents passed away early this year from complications of Alzheimer’s and Covid-19.

More About 4get-me-not:

4get-me-not, the only Social Enterprise in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East which focuses on seniors (60 years old and above) as part of its mission to address Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), was launched in 2013. It’s Founder – Desirée Vlekken, belongs to a community touched by AD where both her father and father-in-law drew inspiration to create a social platform for families and caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients.

4get-me-not creates a positive impact to the society, particularly the senior community by creating awareness on the importance of giving proper attention to their wellbeing and quality of life as one of the means to prevent AD. Positive lifestyle approaches are considered to help seniors cope with physical and cognitive changes.

AD is a growing global health issue that affects a large majority of the senior community with one person in every three seconds reported to have it. 4get-me-not has been working with various International organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) London office, Dementia Friends of Alzheimer’s Society UK and World Health Organization (WHO) through its Eastern Mediterranean Office, to build a vibrant community that addresses Alzheimer’s in a preventive, holistic and innovative way.

http://www.4get-me-not.org/

For more press information, please contact:                                                                                                                  Zareen Khan – W2W events & pr – Email:zareen@w2wevents.com  

The incredible Neetu Bhatia and her journey as Dubai’s leading Makeup Artist

Neetu Bhatia

This interview is very close to my heart for many reasons, today I’d like to share how Neetu made my dream turn in to a reality. Our first meeting was back in 2009 when I was planning the very first Fashion For All ( A unique fashion show that highlighted women from all ages, ethnicities and sizes) our motto was beauty without boundaries. I was a 29yr old entrepreneur challenging beauty norms and Neetu was a bright and talented makeup artist. Over a cup of coffee we decided to join hands and change the fashion world in the UAE. Neetu worked backstage tirelessly with over 50 models and till date, it is our best FFA thanks to all the love and support!

The beginning

Beauty, Skincare and self grooming have been a been part of my youth. Right through my teen years and today I have always believed; to look good and stay ready, you never know when you will meet destiny. 

I used to sketch a lot and after getting my beauty diploma, makeup fascinated me on how it brought about so much confidence in a person.

Unforgettable moments

My first fashion show (Fashion For All) with Zareen Khan. She was super kind to take me on as a newbie and I never looked back because it gave me so much confidence to go on my own path.

Neetu at Fashion For All

My very first bride. She met me and hired me on the spot right after a meeting with me. There was no trial, it was a straight booking. I started my life long love for bridal makeup. The complete process of getting a brides ready is the most satisfying for me. 

My first Indian bride. Was super sweet & became a friend for life. After her, I have done makeup for every bride in that family.

My first destination bride. It was in Bali. I did makeup for her and two sisters and her mother. Gorgeous and kind family, we are still in touch. 

Such an amazing time I had, fell in love with Bali and since then Ive been there twice.

Another highlight was working with Emirates airline as one of their hair and makeup artists. I remember being so naive and didn’t know what to expect. This job elevated my own experience as a makeup artist and offered me so much knowledge on how to better represent myself. And boy! This was one was a hard job to do with long hours but so satisfying to see the results. I’m still in awe of the airline when I saw how much went into building their own brand image. I was later hired by the airline to work on their commercial that aired on all in-flights of Emirates Airline. This was another proud moment for me. It was a 22 hour job that I loved!

Another memorable project was doing makeup for Atif Aslam. His brother called me and asked me to do his makeup. For me, it was just another job and I went around 10pm after a long day of another job; to his hotel. I did his makeup and he was super generous to give me his concert tickets. Now this was over 10 years ago and I had not heard of him or his music and told him that directlyAfter that, I started listening to his music and now? I’m a HUGE FAN! One of my goals is to have him sing for me at a private event.

Another client that makes me smile is Divya Khosla, the Bollywood actress/producer. Such a humble person and so beautiful. 

Having said that, all clients have been amazing and am humbled with the trust they place in me and my art. 

You can follow Neetu’s work on instagram: @neetubhatiaartistry

4get-me-not pays tribute with Art by Alia Al Hammadi for Worlds Alzheimer’s Day

Celebrated local digital artist Alia Al Hammadi honors seniors with her art for 4get-me-not

World Alzheimer’s Day will be commemorated on the 21st of September 2021across the globe. 4get-me-not, a social enterprise based in the UAE is marking this special day with art. 4get-me-not has commissioned an illustration of the organization’s senior members by Sharjah based digital artist Alia Al Hammadi to honor the lives of the elderly living in the UAE and to create awareness about Alzheimer’s and Dementia. 

“4get-me-not is determined to raise awareness on Alzheimer’s disease and promote quality of life for seniors and caregivers in the UAE since 2013; we make efforts throughout the year to host events and create opportunities to talk about the effects of Alzheimer’s on the community. This year we wanted to honor our senior citizens for World Alzheimer’s day and what better way to immortalize our cause than by having an Artwork created just for them, all the characters in the artwork are inspired by our real members. We were very fortunate to have Ms. Alia Al Hammadi on board with us to create such a thought-provoking illustration for a good cause!” ~ Desiree Vlekken – Founder of 4get-me-not

For the month of September, Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), the global federation of over 100 Alzheimer’s and dementia associations across the world including 4get-me-not Alzheimer’s, are encouraging everyone to know about Dementia and Alzheimer’s; by spotting the warning signs of dementia and to seeking information, advice and support that can potentially lead to a timely diagnosis. 4get-me-not has been working with various International organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) London office, Dementia Friends of Alzheimer’s Society UK and World Health Organization (WHO) through its Eastern Mediterranean Office, to build a vibrant community that addresses Alzheimer’s in a preventive, holistic and innovative ways.

About Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI)

ADI is the international federation of 105 Alzheimer associations and federations around the world, in official relations with the World Health Organization. ADI’s vision is prevention, care and inclusion today, and cure tomorrow. ADI believes that the key to winning the fight against dementia lies in a unique combination of global solutions and local knowledge. ADI works locally, by empowering Alzheimer associations to promote and offer care and support for persons with dementia and their care partners, while working globally to focus attention on dementia and campaign for policy change. For more information, please visit www.alzint.org  

About 4get-me-not Alzheimer’s

4get-me-not, the only Social Enterprise in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East which focuses on seniors (60 years old and above) as part of its mission to address Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), was launched in 2013. It’s Founder – Desirée Vlekken, belongs to a community touched by AD where both her father and father-in-law drew inspiration to create a social platform for families and caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients.

4get-me-not creates a positive impact to the society, particularly the senior community by creating awareness on the importance of giving proper attention to their wellbeing and quality of life as one of the means to prevent AD. Positive lifestyle approaches are considered to help seniors cope with physical and cognitive changes. http://www.4get-me-not.org

For more press information, please contact:  Zareen Khan – W2W events & pr – Email:zareen@w2wevents.com  

Featuring the Singapore based musician “Tejpreet Kaur” and her devotion to her beloved “Rabab”

The beginning

I have been very fortunate for being raised in a family of music lovers. From a very young age, my siblings and I were encouraged to learn a musical instrument. In fact my brother, father and sister all play the tabla and I am the only string instrument player in the family. Music holds a very sacred place in the Sikh culture and my journey started with reciting holy hymns in the Gurdwara.

One of my biggest supporters are my mother and my paternal grandmother. They are like my Rabab managers and are a constant source of support and guidance, and at times they are also my critics, which pushes me to challenge myself and grow.

Musically inclined

When I was in primary school, I was in an ensemble, where I played handbells for four years. It was also a time when I learnt to read musical notes and began to have an understanding of Western music, all of which helped shape and influence my music today. As a teenager, I played the harmonium and along with that, I also pursued Hindustani classical vocal training and classical Indian dance (Khatak). My second instrument is the Dilruba, which I played for 5 to 6 years before picking up the Rabab.

Love at first strum with the “Rabab”

“Rabab” has a sacred place in Sikh tradition, as it was the first instrument used by Bhai Mardana, a companion of Guru Nanak. Whenever a shabad was revealed to Guru Nanak, he would sing and Bhai Mardana would play on his Rabab, and hence was known as a rababi. Interestingly, when I would occasionally hear the Rabab playing around me, it did not have any impact on me until I heard it being played on Coke Studio Pakistan. That truly changed my perception of how it sounded and I found myself drawn to the sound. I started listening to more songs that used this magical instrument and slowly but surely I found myself wanting to learn how to play it myself. Initially I didn’t own a Rabab of my own, so to learn and play, I would go to the music academy at the Gurdwara, where I took weekly classes. I remember feeling excited every day after school, to run over to the Gurdwara and get my hands on the Rabab. It almost felt like my “Pehla Pehla pyaar”. I had never experienced this kind of excitement before and I worked hard to learn more and get better at playing it.

It was 5th September 2019 when I picked up the Rabab and instantly within a few weeks of lessons with my Ustad, I fell in love with it. It was a very special moment for me. It fit, it really fit. The whole Rabab, the sound and the texture of the music was soft and sweet. My favorite raags to play are Raag Jog & Raag Miyan Ki Malhar.

I have been very fortunate to have been invited to perform live. One of my performances was in front of the former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore for the museum exhibition’s grand opening and my second performance was at the hall of the Gurdwara. It was special for me as it was the first time that I performed at a large scale event in Singapore.

Guiding lights

The more I learnt to play, the more inspired I was by the incredible musicians around me. I found videos of a very gifted Afghani Rabab player, Ustad Homayoun Sakhi on instagram (@homayounsakhi) and what I loved about his videos is that when he played, he would constantly smile, as if being transcended through his music. Currently I am grateful for being guided by two Ustads- Ustad Jatinder Singh based in Singapore (@angadsingh1) and Ustad Bilal Khan based in Pakistan (@bilalkhanbilal_official). I take online classes with Ustad Bilal Khan and his adoration and respect for Hindustani classics is truly heartening to see. As an artist myself, I have always dreamt of peace between the two nations (India and Pakistan) and have come to believe that music transcends borders.  I feel that music bridges the gap between nations.

My dream

I feel at peace when I play the Rabab. When I am sad, it is my place of happiness. When I am homesick, it takes me home. It is my healer in times of stress. My dream is to achieve world peace through music. I envision myself performing worldwide and uniting the world through music.

To follow Tejpreet’s music on instagram: @she_rababi

This was an interview was conducted by Zareen Khan from @w2wevents

For more information & stories – email: zareen@w2wevents.co

Woman led “Big Box Souq” an innovative shopping app Launched in UAE

Big Box Souq provides smart shopping experience of fresh produce of fruits & vegetables throughout Dubai, UAE  

“Big Box Souq” was officially launched in June 2021, the cutting-edge app is free to download on IOS and android devices, allowing users to shop for fresh produce of fruits and vegetables from their home whilst earning attractive reward points; redeemable against future purchases

This innovative app is conceptualized by Dubai based Zainab Malubhai; who is an accomplished photographer and also manages other businesses. Their vision for the brand is to promote healthy and mindful eating, reduction of food wastage and recycling and to create genuine collaborations with home grown businesses that resonate with their vision and towards sustainability and caring for the planet.

Zainab Malubhai – Founder of Big Box Souq explains, “Having lived my whole life in Dubai, starting something on your own and seeing it grow the way you want it to grow feels amazing. From when the idea started till we started doing something about it, was 12 months in the making; our concept is exclusively on invitation basis only and revolves around technology and a first of its kind referral initiative that rewards you in unique ways. I have always used a combination of onsite grocery shopping and online ordering for my family. There were a few things that I’ve always been bothered about or have wanted in a grocery app. I remember feeling frustrated with the wastage of produce sometimes as either we had ordered too much, or were unable to consume that produce at its optimum time. I wanted the freedom to be able to order exactly how much I need, be it a single piece even. Also, I could never tell how many pieces actually comes in a kilo, we just tend to order by kg not knowing how much we are going to get, and thus leading to wastage. As I discussed this with friends and family, I realized that a lot of people were having the same problem, and that’s really how Big Box Souq was conceptualized.

There is always nervousness and anticipation of how others perceive your idea. There is always a risk associated and it’s a matter of believing in yourself, trusting the support of your friends and family, and deciding when it is the right time to start. Also, if you never try you will never know. And that’s when we decided it’s now or never.”

Big Box Souq is an Invitation Only ecommerce business which thrives on community and technology; providing customers with a smart shopping experience to order fresh produce of fruits and vegetables. Their focus is to create a shopping experience driven by tech, data, and collaboration with new local, home grown innovative concepts. To learn more about the brand visit: http://www.bigboxsouq.com

For more press information, please contact: Zareen Khan – W2W events & pr – Email: zareen@w2wevents.com  

“The Blue Butterfly”

A book of poems by Dubai based writer Uma Maheswary Manoj launching on 26th of August 2021

The Blue Butterfly

The book mainly surrounds the theme of letting go. It recognizes that moving on is not as easy as it seems. It takes a look at the weak moments, the fears, the reminiscing, and the realizations that you have to go through while trying to let go of a relationship. The Blue Butterfly signifies the part of us that holds on to the memories of our past. By the end of the book, we let go of that pain. In turn, inviting change within ourselves, just like a butterfly when it leaves its cocoon.

Uma the poetess

Passion for writing

I had an interest in writing ever since I was a child. I loved writing letters to my mom and friends. I ventured out into poetry at the age of twelve. I wrote my first poem on my way to school, on the bus. I can’t exactly remember what I had written, but it was something about the clouds. I gave it to one of my friends to read, and she thought it was beautiful. I remember feeling really proud and happy and, ever since, I have dreamt of being an author.

The pandemic

During the lockdown, life had taken a toll on me as it had on many others. I was going through some of the most painful moments in my life and, I had no idea how to relieve the emotions that came with it. So, I turned to the only means I knew, writing. When I had written a couple of poems surrounding a similar pain that had haunted me, I decided to compile them. It was therapeutic in a way. I felt like I was shouting out words and emotions that I had suppressed all my life. I hated keeping all these feelings inside and, I was tired of pretending to be brave because it was eating me away. I felt like no one understood what I felt until I started reading again. So, I decided to publish the book in hopes that someone that reads my book feels understood and heard.

Poetry

My inspiration for writing is usually everything that surrounds me. The people, nature, my emotions, and my circumstances all play into what I write. Sometimes I also get inspired by the books I read or the stories I hear from others. My favorite poet is Edgar Allan Poe. I love his work. I have read Anabelle Lee many times and, it still shatters my heart. His poem, The Raven, has slightly inspired my poem Silhouettes and Shadows. I also adore Rupi Kaur. As a South Asian woman, I rarely see myself represented in this field. Rupi Kaur is one of the most celebrated poets in our time. She has inspired me to a great extent to be confident enough to write and publish my poetry.

Blue Butterfly

A while back
a young girl
stumbled upon a world twisted and gnarly

Her limbs shivered
as she searched around for an ounce of light between vines with blight

But the darkness feasted on brightness so, she tripped and fell a couple of times

And in her last fall
she refused to rise tears stung her cuts fire burned in her belly

Then out of the inky sky came an iridescent light
she squinted her eyes
she could not believe the sight

A blue butterfly floated her way and it spoke in a tone
that reverberated her soul
write this book it said

And out from the dead
the young woman gave life to words that did not necessarily rhyme

The Blue Butterfly is available on amazon.com from 26th of August onwards!

“Annual Summer Chillout 2021 Global Concert” Music for a cause

The Gulf Youth Chamber Music Society (GYCMS) is launching an online concert “Annual  Summer Chillout 2021 Global Concert” on 7th August (7PM GST) via YouTube Premium

Summer Chillout 2021 is an online concert for a cause to celebrate 8th year Anniversary of the non profit organization, 4get-me-not Alzheimer’s; the concert will offer support to the ongoing community initiative “Chocoholics” Grief Support Group for seniors and caregivers who are extremely affected by the loss of their loved ones specially during the pandemic. This concert is a collaborative effort by 4get-me-not Alzheimer’s and the Gulf Youth Chamber Music Society.

The online concert will showcase 17 youth musicians from 8 cities (representing 7 countries: UAE, USA, UK, South Korea, Japan, Philippines, & India) including an array of special guest musicians from the Juilliard School of Music in New York.

Eljin Yoo

For as long as I can remember, performing for 4get-me-not were such delightful experiences.  The senior community, Alzheimer patients and their caregivers has been a true inspiration. As a musician, I learned so much about how music & the brain are intrinsically connected, further establishing the significant role that music plays within all of us. I am deeply honored to host our annual Summer Chillout Concert, dedicated to ‘Chocoholics,’ and connect all of our chamber members from across the world for this remarkable, singular cause. Once again, 4get-me-not is giving us an opportunity to utilize our musical talents in a more meaningful and inspiring way.”  – says Eljin Yoo – Founder of GYCMS & concertmaster of Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra

Eljin Yoo has performed for 4get-me-not since he was 12 years old together with other teen musicians based in Dubai.  Eljin recalls amazing work of Desiree Vlekken, Founder of 4get-me-not who organized over 100 social initiatives for over 500 senior beneficiaries across the emirates.

The concert’s goal is to raise awareness and help sustain Chocoholics grief support group initiatives along with Art & Music classes, Badminton and age-friendly sports sessions, Meditation and Sound Healing as a holistic strategy in coping with grief.

This event is co-presented by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), the international federation of Alzheimer and dementia associations around the World; in official relations with the World Health Organization.

4get-me-not, is a social enterprise raising awareness on Alzheimer’s disease and promoting quality of life for seniors and caregivers in the UAE since 2013. The Founder, Desiree Vlekken was inspired by her father who had Alzheimer’s and mother as fulltime caregiver.  Both passed away early this year from complications of Alzheimer’s and Covid-19.

Purchase your on-line tickets now at Platinumlist:  https://platinumlist.net/event-tickets/81738/summer-chillout-2021-global-concert

More About 4get-me-not:

4get-me-not, the only Social Enterprise in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East which focuses on seniors (60 years old and above) as part of its mission to address Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), was launched in 2013. It’s Founder – Desirée Vlekken, belongs to a community touched by AD where both her father and father-in-law drew inspiration to create a social platform for families and caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients.

4get-me-not creates a positive impact to the society, particularly the senior community by creating awareness on the importance of giving proper attention to their wellbeing and quality of life as one of the means to prevent AD. Positive lifestyle approaches are considered to help seniors cope with physical and cognitive changes.

AD is a growing global health issue that affects a large majority of the senior community with one person in every three seconds reported to have it. 4get-me-not has been working with various International organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) London office, Dementia Friends of Alzheimer’s Society UK and World Health Organization (WHO) through its Eastern Mediterranean Office, to build a vibrant community that addresses Alzheimer’s in a preventive, holistic and innovative way.

http://www.4get-me-not.org/

For more press information, please contact: zareen@w2wevents.com  

“Elysian Pudava” a haven for artisans by Sandhya Rajan

The concept of establishing Elysian Pudava was first and foremost to support artisans & weavers based in the sub continent and to save the dying art of handloom sarees. Elysian Pudava was establised in 2020 as an online shopping portal offering a wide collection of finest handloom & cotton Sarees starting from Maheshwari weaves to Kanchipuram silks to Chickankari Lucknowi to Khadi silks to mul mul block printed sarees and more.

The collection also expands in to hand made statement jewellery and pure silver Afghani jewellery offering more collections on a monthly basis.

“Sometimes we have to start at the root to rise again and grow. Elysian Pudava is a beginning of that journey. What inspires me is how much you get to learn every day… traditions, roots, slowing down through slow fashion and working with a community of amazing artisans & weavers. Being part of these lives, stories, connections built through communities and supporting one another in this journey.” ~ Sandhya Rajan – Founder of Elysian Pudava

To follow and order – log on to the instagram account @elysian.pudava