The Egyptian revolution has inspired the world, and local artists have transformed their feelings into witty slogans and artworks that continue to inspire. Without falling into commercialisation of the revolution, two women have decided to channel the revenues from their artwork to benefit those who were injured, or those whose income has been affected during and after the revolution.

“‘Charity Merchandise’ is the name of the initiative, which started out with pins with slogans such as Masry wa Aftakhar (Proud to be Egyptian), and Horeya (Freedom),” explained May Abdel Azim, managing editor of the Travel Mag and What Women Want magazines, and co-founder of the project with her friend Bassent El Menshawi, the owner of the Uniform Factory.

They printed agendas with popular revolution lingo printed on them: Agenda, Qela Mondatha (Vicious Minority), and KFC, an allusion to the rumours on state television claiming that the revolution was led by foreign agendas, orchestrated by vicious minorities and sponsored by KFC!

“They sold out in no time throughfacebook and friends and the proceeds went to charity.  With the help of social worker Sherif El-Hayawan we delivered over 300 food parcels to underprivileged families, in upper Egypt who are affected by the current conditions in tourism,” added Abdel-Azim.

“The idea of ‘Charity Merchandise’ goes back four years when we first created the annual ‘What Women Want’ fun-day fundraiser,” explained El-Menshawi. 

Aiming for the integration of orphans with special needs into society, this day was dedicated to this cause when 500 orphans were invited to a fun-day of activities and games, mingling and blending with the rest of the Egyptian community. The free festival is sponsored by their various clients and the donations from the day were split equally among the NGOs that were invited.

Then came the sectarian issue once again, something that Egyptians had overcome since they knew who was behind the bombing of the church in Alexandria.  El-Menshawi thought of asking renowned Egyptian artist Helmi El Touni for one of his signature Egyptian folk paintings promoting national unity, to be printed on agendas and cloth bags.

“He was very enthusiastic and created an Egyptian girl wearing a galabeya (traditional Egyptian garment) with patterns of crescents and crosses entwined. It was sold at our annual fundraising event last week, and is sold online,” notes El-Menshawi.

For more information :

[email protected]