Volunteers in Action Holds 12th Annual Campus Wedding for Orphan Brides
For the 12th year, Volunteers in Action (VIA) student club organized its annual group wedding for orphans, helping five orphan brides celebrate the wedding of their dreams. Donations were collected from the AUC community to buy basic supplies for the couples’ new homes as well as plan for the wedding celebration itself.
"Our team started working on the wedding preparations since winter break, aiming to reach out to the most needy orphan brides and equip them with basic electric supplies and furniture," explained Nesma Badr, head of VIA's housing and supplies team.
Held in the University Garden at AUC New Cairo since 2011, the event is planned each year with the goal of helping orphans celebrate this memorable moment. This year, 350 guests attended the group wedding, and each bride was given 60 invitations so that they may share their special night with loved ones.
VIA's efforts toward helping orphans in their community is not limited to this annual event. "VIA runs an ongoing initiative to raise money for underprivileged newlyweds. The club has provided assistance to an average of 30 other orphan brides to help them furnish their homes,” said Dina Rateb, associate professor of business administration and faculty advisor to VIA club.
Students in the VIA club also take away important skills throughout the process of planning evnets such as this one. “They become united as one family and become best of friends. Students also learn how to plan, implement a plan, work within constraints, how to have a strong backup plan, ” Rateb continued.
The event was additionally made possible thanks to the help of several sponsors. L’Oreal Academy Egypt provided brides with makeovers and hairdos to prepare them for their picturesque day. Food was prepared by Tamara Lebanese Bistro, and Le Carnaval provided cakes and desserts for guests to celebrate the special occasion. Careem also provided discounted rides to the event as the official transportation partner for the big day.
To see more photos of the wedding, click here.
