November 2019 33 FEATURE | women of substance Tahera is Vice Chair of Think Pink, the breast cancer charity, and founder Jules Sprakel says her commitment and passion make her an inspiration and “someone I look up too”. THE PINK LADY TAHERA AL ALAWI How long have you been involved with Think Pink and what made you join up? I joined Think Pink in 2005. I had just returned from university in the UK and had used the family business during October as a platform to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. Julie was receptive and supportive and invited me to become one of the founding members of the charity. How do you find the time as you seem to be very involved in everything the organisation does? The charity holds a very special place in my heart and is something I have total commitment and dedication for. During our initial years Julie and I both had demanding full-time jobs, but we would meet after work, weekends… I consider my work at Think Pink as a responsibility and therefore make time for it daily as I do with family and work. What, for you, has been the high point of the last 10 years? I think the highest point would be the day we received the official registration in May 2010. Julie and I had fought very hard to establish the first breast cancer specific charity in the Kingdom. Then again, there were many high points, the installation of the breast specific MRI at Salmaniya Medical Complex, for example, was the result of years of hard work and fund raising, the completion of the National Breast Cancer Guidelines .... Would you encourage other women to become involved in volunteering and, if yes, why? Absolutely! I was not touched by breast cancer when I first joined the charity. My sole purpose was to give back to the community and Think Pink was my charity of choice. I wanted to help in any capacity. I would sell ribbons, go to schools, drive to lectures with Julie, prepare presentations for corporate donations. It was only 10 years later that someone very close was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer and I saw how all of us, at some point in our lives, would be touched by the disease. I applaud all who volunteer in their respective capacities. There is something so rewarding in volunteer work. www.womanthismonth.com Head over to Al Khayyal Lounge. What and where is Al Khayyal: AlKhayyal, a stylish, comfy, book and coffee lounge tucked in at the Swiss-Belresidences Juffair, the only such lounge and your much needed escape in the bustling vicinity of Juffair! Located on the fourth floor of the hotel, Al Khayyal spells imagination, warmth, contemporary and spacious decor, ambient natural light and friendly faces. A lot of woodwork and bookshelves that almost touch the ceiling. And there are even little balconies! Imagine: coffee,- book,couch and perfect weather which is just around the corner! A living room styled reading haven with couches and coffee tables, separated by bookshelves for privacy. And yes, for those who want to sit up straight and work on their laptops, thereʼs stylish seating perfect for you. The book selection features an interesting range of various genres for adults and children, that you can purchase to keep the family “book occupied” ! They even have a large comics collection of favourite characters. When hungry,an extensive snacks and drinks menu, often with interesting deals and fresh and healthy choices, to let you continue lounging, relaxing, browsing or working. The expanse of the space at Al Khayyal also allows you to hold private events. Itʼs a nice place to have intimate private parties and can comfortably seat about 30 people. Coffee mornings can be great here,book reading events and more. And this is not all..You can donate a book at Al Khayyal and get a free coffee of your choice! Open 8am to 12am Sunday to Wednesday and extends till 1am Thursday to Saturday. Instagram page- @alkhayyallounge Call 973 13666777 R
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