The Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) launched the "Let’s Draw a Smile" campaign this September, aiming to raise awareness about childhood cancers and support affected children and their families. The initiative is part of QCS’s broader efforts to promote health awareness and encourage healthy lifestyles within the community.

The campaign features a series of educational programs and activities designed for children, parents, and the wider public. These include both in-person and virtual lectures and workshops that focus on identifying key signs and symptoms of childhood cancers, stressing the importance of early detection and health awareness.

In addition to raising awareness about cancer, the campaign also promotes healthy living from a young age. QCS is offering healthy cooking workshops for children and their families to encourage nutritious eating habits that can be integrated into their daily routines.

To provide practical support to families affected by childhood cancer, the campaign has also introduced a fundraising initiative in collaboration with a number of selected restaurants and cafés. Under this program, QR5 from the sale of every beverage at participating outlets will be donated to help cover treatment costs for children battling cancer. This fundraiser gives community members an accessible way to contribute to the cause and assist those in need.

Mona Ashkanani, general manager of Qatar Cancer Society, emphasized the campaign's dual focus on awareness and community support. She noted that addressing cancer requires more than medical care, highlighting the need for a supportive environment that instills hope and solidarity for children and their families throughout the treatment process.

Ashkanani called on individuals and institutions to engage actively with the campaign’s activities, emphasizing that even small contributions can have a meaningful impact. She further stressed the importance of collaboration among community organizations, the private sector, and the public in reinforcing social responsibility and improving the lives of children facing cancer.

“This initiative reflects the importance of collective efforts among community organisations, the private sector, and individuals in supporting people living with cancer and strengthening the concept of social responsibility,” Ashkanani said. “A simple everyday action can become a meaningful contribution that makes a real difference in the life of a child and their family.”