Dareen Hakim Collection has passionately, and often silently, contributed across a variety of efforts throughout the years, from great to small, helping in whatever way possible. A firm advocate of giving back and helping those in need, Dareen recently partnered with Knitting Without Borders, a beautiful organization that delivers joy to children across the world through the friendship of a beautiful, handmade teddy bear.
Along with her two daughters, Mila 6 and Gia 4 years old, Dareen delivered over two hundred knitted bears and toys to the children of a Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon. They embarked on the 2 hour journey from central Beirut to a region of Lebanon that has sheltered Syrian children and families escaping from the terrors of war, enduring sudden poverty, loss, and illness. Upon arriving and expecting desolation, Dareen and the girls were welcomed by groups of excited children and their families, all with great big smiles of anticipation and hope. Dareen spoke with several of the family members while Mila and Gia helped her and made friends among the children as they passed out gifts of joy, bears and toys. One little girl ran back to her tent, and came with offerings of 2 small pieces of chocolate to thank Mila and Gia. Their faces of serene gratitude were more than just for the gifts, but for the joy of new friendship and the simple appreciation for attention and care.
Knitting Without Borders, a non-profit organization started by Loredana Delucci began as a way to bring joy to children living with illness or displacement. She knit two hundred and fifty bears initially, which were then sent to a children’s hospital in Kenya. Over the years, her friends and family volunteered their time to knit over 4600 bears that have since gone to over 40 different countries ... and now Lebanon.
Dareen, Mila and Gia made a promise to themselves to visit the Syrian refugee children every time they go back home to visit.
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