Small Bear Big Heart Initiative with Nadine Labaki

As part of ABC's signature Christmas program that started back in 2012, Small Bear Big Heart holds a yearly initiative that consists in selling small teddy bears for a big cause by identifying each year a different NGO. The proceeds raised from the sale of small bears would go to this NGO. Targeting the most vulnerable section of Lebanon's community, 'Small Bear Big Heart' allows ABC to lend a helping hand to disadvantaged children across the country, and to keep aiming for joy and hope in the hearts of Lebanon's most disadvantaged Children.

This year, Small Bear Big Heart has chosen Ruwwad Al Tanmeya, a non-profit organization that aims youth activism, civic engagement and education for disadvantaged children. It was founded in 2005 by a group of entrepreneurs in Jordan, and operates through a network of partnerships between the private sector, civil society organizations, government, and target communities.

As the Corporate Social Responsibility Ambassador (CSR) of ABC, Lebanese Director and Actress Nadine Labaki took part in launching this year's initiative.  Children causes are very dear to Nadine's heart, because they are the better future of society. She was delighted to meet Sarah on that occasion, a little girl from Ruwwad whose dream was to meet her favorite Director. Sarah's life wasn't easy growing up and having to raise her siblings in the absence of her mother especially after her father was injured during Tebbeneh and Jabal Mohsen battles. Sarah is smart, responsible and talented, and with the help of Ruwwad, she was able to develop her skills. She now draws beautifully, writes exquisite poems, and loves to learn new materials and languages. Always eager for more, she is the first in her class. Ruwwad renovated Sarah's house and its pipe so they would have access to water, supported a medical condition of hers and kept supporting her family when needed, even though the NGO does not aim to help families from that angle.

Christmas season is all about giving, and it's important to participate in such initiatives that aim to help and support big causes through the simplest and smallest gestures from the heart.