Drawing for a cause: 8-year-old painter adds colour to cancer care fundraising

AMMAN — Eight-year-old Aslan Bater draws hope for cancer patients through his “Paint for a Purpose” initiative.

Bater’s passion for art and painting started in his early childhood, according to his mother, Rasha Yarvas.

“I got him a canvas and all the art supplies he needs two years ago,” she said.

Bater’s grandfather, Nabeel Bater, always supported his talent and paintings, Bater said.

After Bater’s grandfather passed away due to lung cancer, he wanted to honour his memory by selling his art and donating the proceeds to the King Hussein Cancer Centre (KHCC).

Yarvas noted that the initiative came from her son’s love for his grandfather.

“I love to volunteer my art to contribute to helping cancer patients. I want to help as many as possible,” Bater told The Jordan Times on Thursday.

Yarvas added that they have received official approval from the KHCC. 

“All our procedures go directly to the centre. Our goal from this initiative is not only to support cancer patients and save lives, but also to encourage everyone, especially children, to volunteer and do charity work,” she added.

Yarvas said that there will be a “selling point” for the paintings at Al Ahli Club in Amman to showcase Bater’s art.

“Al Ahli club immediately contacted us to support our initiative,” she told The Jordan Times.

Bater’s mom noted that the initiative has gained immense support since it started. 

“We want to help even with a small amount of money, and we are hoping that the initiative will be very successful,” she said.