AMMAN — Alaa Khalil, the founder of Ala.k Design
House, found a way to help others using his creative designs during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
اضافة اعلان
In an effort to ease the burden of unemployment and help Jordanians
during the pandemic, the artist launched Ala.K Design House. Through this
venture, he prints meaningful designs on various items and house goods and donates
50% of the profits to
NAUA, a charity organization founded by the Crown Prince
Hussein Bin Abdullah II.
“I work with the National Aid Fund, so when the pandemic
began in March, I noticed that many Jordanians work without security on a day-to-day
basis,” Khalil said in an interview with
Jordan News. “Seeing how some of
them didn’t have any backup, I felt responsible for them.”
Khalil’s “Red Sea Getaway” design. (Photo:
Handout from Alaa Khalil)
The artist took the first step towards his goal of helping
others by launching a collection of meaningful designs printed on mugs, tote
bags, and postcards that are emblazoned with his colorful designs.
“My favorite print is
the ‘Hungry’ one, because as I always say, when we are hungry, we eat anything.
But what about people who can’t find that anything to eat?” he said, stressing
the importance of drawing attention to others’ needs and struggles.
Khalil’s designs from his first collection were sold on his
website and exhibited at Readers’ Bookshop in
Amman.
“I was able to help around fifty families with the sales of
my designs,” he said. “I was really
happy I was able to be part of helping these families.”
In addition to supporting vulnerable workers affected by
COVID-19, Khalil helps the local tourism sector. Since the onset of the
pandemic, Jordan’s tourism sector has been devastated by airport closures and a
decline in travel. Showing his support, Khalil launched a tourist site collection.
Khalil’s “Between the Wadies of Jordan.” (Photo:
Handout from Alaa Khalil)
“During the pandemic, we weren’t able to travel or welcome tourists
in Jordan, so I wanted to remind people how beautiful this country is by
printing its sites on various item,” he said. His prints feature famous Jordanian
locales such as Petra and the Red Sea.
In addition to prints, Khalil also designed handmade crafts,
such as a handsewn Christmas collection.
“I enjoyed every moment as I created that collection,” he
said.
Although the pandemic has eased, Khalil’s willingness to
help hasn’t. He is currently planning to launch a new collection that raises
awareness about the importance of a clean country.
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