MUSCAT: In a unique event that exemplifies its core values as a corporate citizen, Zahara Group organised a cross-country ‘Charity Walk’ last week to help raise funds for a leading Omani environmental advocacy group. Around 100 employees, joined by family members and friends, took part in the Zahara Charity Walk – the latest in a series of events organised by the Group to mark 40 years of successful operations in the Sultanate.
Unlike typical charity walks, the Zahara trek was set in picturesque Al Hamra wilayat in the tourist heartland of Oman. Arriving by coach at Al Hamra, the group set out on a roughly three-hour hike through the scenic countryside, characterised by undulating landscapes, luxuriant oases tucked away in deep wadis and dramatic mountain profiles. Clad in T-shirts emblazoned with Zahara’s distinctive logo, the trekkers advanced leisurely through this pristine natural setting famous for its abundant nature trails and tourist attractions. Marching merrily along were a number of women and children, their hearts set on completing the journey and thereby contribut- ing to the success of the hike. Also on hand were volunteer teams who were positioned at one-kilometre intervals along the meandering trail, well-stocked with refreshments.
Around noon, the group arrived at the picturesque ‘Eco Luxe’ re- treat, The View, located 1400 metres above sea level at Hail Al Shas. Launched by Zahara Group last year, the luxurious facility is a magnet for local and international tourists eager to connect with nature.
At the end of an exhilarating day amidst Oman’s delightful outdoors, the participants were unanimous in their description of the ‘Charity Walk’ as a memorable family-style outing that combined adventure and fun – and all for a good cause. Each of the participants will be receiving a certificate of appreciation.
Tour Counsellor Wahid Abdul Rahman Al Balushi was thrilled to take part in the day-long programme of seamless family fun with an underlying charitable objective. “It was delightful to be part of an event that was enjoyable through and through. Equally, it opened my eyes to the importance of initiative – big or small – that helps us connect with nature and the environment,” he added.
Business Support Manager, Jinachandran, commented: “At first, I thought the long trek would be a Herculean task, but the ease with which we all completed it, gave us greater confidence in our capabilities. Other than personal gratification, the event afforded me the opportunity to do my bit for the environment and society at large.”
“Overall, it was a splendid event intended not only to mark an important anniversary milestone, but also to engender in our staff a deeper appreciation of Oman’s rich natural and tourist heritage. As responsible corporate citizens, we also decided to use the opportunity to raise funds for the Environmental Society of Oman (ESO), whose work in the field of environmental conservation is proving hugely beneficial to the tourism industry as well. The overall success and positive feedback has encouraged us to make it an annual event,” added Gautam Broota, CEO of Zahara Group.
Source: Times of Oman
