|
Background
Mehr
Foundation is the outgrowth of a dream. Our founder,
Ms. Mansoureh Khalili, has been involved in philanthropic
activities since she was a child but soon found that,
as a single individual, her resources would not allow
her to give to her society on the scale that would satisfy
her charitable ambitions. As she matured, her charitable
activities became increasingly focused on women and
their issues. She began to talk with her friends and
family about her beliefs, her activities, and her vision
of forming an organization that could extend a helping
hand to thousands of women in need. In 1997 her vision
finally became a reality when she and six other like-minded
women joined forces and formed The Mehr Foundation.
This
non-political charity organization was registered as
an official charity organization in Tehran, Iran in
1999.
Why The Name 'Mehr'?
Persian
literature and poetry are full of references to Mehr. It’s meaning has changed over time but, as always, it conjures
up wonderful images in the minds of those that hear
it.
Mehr
has two meanings in modern Persian:
"The Sun" - The sun is a universal symbol of new beginnings,
of hope and of dignity. Spreading its light and warmth,
unconditionally and without reservation, over all mankind,
its life-giving energy is essential to human existence.
Constant and unceasing, it represents the hope and the
compassion that our foundation strives to bring to women.
"Kindness" - Kindness is the outgrowth of love and compassion,
two of man's most noble and beautiful qualities. Love
is the expression of God within us. It nurtures our
soul and makes us whole. It gives meaning to our lives.
We
chose the name "Mehr" for our organization
because, more than any other word in the Persian language,
it captured the spirit with which this organization
was formed.
|
