Golrizan Fundraising Events

Omid’s Golrizan celebrations: a lasting tradition of generosity

Omid’s Golrizan celebrations are part of Urmia’s shared memory. Held over thirty consecutive years, the events introduce Omid Charity’s mission and services and raise funds for medicines and treatment for people with cancer in financial need. The first Golrizan took place in 1373 SH (1994–1995) at Urmia’s Tarbiat Cinema. Khosrow Dastgir, a distinguished Iranian artist and an Omid trustee, has been one of the leading organisers. His links with the arts community helped bring well-known theatre, cinema and television figures to the events. The late Jamshid Mashayekhi was among the first film personalities to participate, opening the way for other artists. Over time, athletes and figures from literature and culture also joined the celebrations after learning about Omid’s services. During the charity’s 35-year history, guests have included Mohammad-Ali Keshavarz, Hamideh Kheirabadi, Parviz Parastouei, Mahtab Keramati, Zhaleh Olov, Fatemeh Goudarzi, Majid Mozaffari, Mehraneh Mahin-Torabi, Ardeshir Rostami, Alireza Khamseh, the celebrated Azerbaijani poet Karimi Maraghei and Dr. Mahmoud Anousheh. Music and theatre groups have also contributed to the atmosphere, including Kamran Davari with Rima, Dr. Bozorg Amin with Safi al-Din Urmavi, Dr. Ali Parkar, Soheil Andam with the Goloush theatre group, and Ali Ziaei with Zi Show. Passing donation boxes among the audience, accompanied by chocolates and sweets, became one of the earliest traditions of the events. At the thirtieth Golrizan, held in winter 1403 SH (2024–2025), benefactors donated more than four billion tomans. Dr. Mehdi Mozaffarinejad, a longstanding Omid volunteer and trustee, presented the celebrations for twenty consecutive years.