Co-authored by HRH Princess Alia, eldest daughter of the late King Hussein of Jordan, and Sharifa Sarra Ghazi, Small Miracles, the Story of the Princess Alia Foundation tells of an extraordinary charitable endeavour. When it was established in 2009, the authors little knew how the Foundation would fundamentally change their lives, as well as the lives of countless others - both animal and human. When Lyn White, an animal cruelty investigator, suggested the need for an organisation to alleviate and prevent the appaling abuse of animals she was daily witness to, Princess Alia immediately embraced it and saw in it a wider mandate to include special needs and public health, as well as animal welfare. Tireless in her charitable work and a woman of limitless compassion, she nonetheless needed support to get the idea off the ground, and the obvious choice was her cousin Sharifa Sarra Ghazi, someone already committed to animal welfare and to general education, and highly organised and motivated besides. The Foundation is now well established.
Originally staffed entirely by volunteers and still dependent on donations and support from kindly individuals and organisations within Jordan and around the world, its reputation and reach continue to grow. The New Hope Centre was launched in 2010 to provide medical care and rehabilitation for rescued and confiscated wildlife and endangered animals, and Growing Together (Equine Therapy), initiated in late 2010, has shown remarkable results with troubled and autistic children. More recent projects include partnership with Vier Pfoten International to establish the Al Ma'wa Wildlife Sanctuary, and Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow, whose mission is to help troubled youths become the agents of change and lead the world towards a brighter future The story of the Foundation, its triumphs and tragedies, hopes and dreams, and the small miracles that take place each day, is told here - at times harrowing and heartbreaking, at times joyful and uplifting. Above all, it is indisputable evidence of the humbling and transformative power of kindness. Written with passion and humour and gloriously illustrated, this book should be compulsory reading in every part of the world.
It will do much to reawaken the seeds of compassion which reside in us all, but all too often lie dormant through inertia, ignorance or social conditioning. This is an inspiring story that will remind us that we share this planet and our destiny with all living things and will help to promote balance, harmony and respect for all creation.