The Good Note is a way to give children on the streets the things they need, without the risk of funding any unsavory trade or perpetuating an unfortunate cycle.
Good Notes are worth the same amount as the 1000 Lebanese Lira note (0.66 USD), but can only be spent at Bou Khalil Hypermarkets on necessities such as food, water, household supplies, personal hygiene items and small treats. Bou Khalil Hypermarket also tied up with Pharmalife pharmacy so that Good Notes can also bring medicine to those in need.
How do I use the Good Note?
Keep them in your car or your wallet and next time a child on the streets approaches you for money, give them a Good Note instead and rest assured that you are giving responsibly.
Is the Good Note real money?
No. Good Notes are worth the same amount as the 1000 Lebanese Lira note (0.66 USD), but can only be spent at Bou Khalil Hypermarkets and Pharmalife pharmacy in Hazmieh.
Why is giving the Good Note better than giving money to children on the street?
Giving money to children on the streets is an act of goodwill. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always go towards good things.
In many cases, it goes to the child’s desperate family that has no other way to make ends meet. In many others, it goes straight into the pockets of people profiteering off these children.
At best, the money you give only serves to perpetuate a vicious cycle and at worst, it encourages a deeply exploitive practice.
With the Good Note, you can rest assured that your goodwill only goes towards good things as it can only be spent at Bou Khalil Hypermarkets and Pharmalife pharmacy in Hazmieh.
Where can the Good Note be redeemed?
Good Notes can redeemed at all 11 Bou Khalil Hypermarket branches across Lebanon and Pharmalife pharmacy in Hazmieh.
Where can the Good Note be purchased?
Good Notes are available for purchase in bonds of five at all 11 Bou Khalil Hypermarket branches spread across Lebanon, Pharmalife pharmacy in Hazmieh as well as Dar Bistro and Books in Hamra.
Are you going to allow beggars in Bou Khalil supermarket?
Yes. Street children and their families are people just like you and me. They will be encouraged to come to Bou Khalil Hypermarket branches to redeem their Good Notes and shop for necessities such as food, water, household supplies, personal hygiene items and small treats.
How are they going to come to Bou Khalil or know where it is?
Bou Khalil is working closely with an NGO that helps street children in Lebanon, to educate them on how to use Good Notes and where Bou Khalil branches are located.
Can I give a child more than one Good Note at a time?
Yes. Good Notes are available for purchase in bonds of five and you can give as many as you would like to as many street children as you would like. There is no limit on how many Good Notes each person can give or redeem.
Can I give Good Notes to an adult beggar?
Yes. While our primary focus with this initiative is to help street children, we equally encourage you to give Good Notes to anyone in need. Anyone can redeem Good Notes at all Bou Khalil branches and Pharmalife pharmacy, regardless of age or gender.
Can't people use Good Notes to buy cigarettes and alcohol at Bou Khalil?
No. Alcohol and tobacco products are available for purchase at Bou Khalil for customers over the age of 18. However, they cannot be purchased with Good Notes.
What if people use Good Notes to buy medicine that wasn't prescribed by a doctor?
Good Notes can only be redeemed for medicine at Pharmalife Pharmacy in Hamzieh with a valid medical prescription. If a person cannot provide a valid prescription, they will not be able to buy medicine with Good Notes.
Why is Bou Khalil doing this?
Bou Khalil Hypermarkets has pledged to provide care across generations since 1935. This initiative was created under the company’s corporate social responsibility platform in an attempt to give back good to the country.
Is Bou Khalil making money out of this?
No. All profits from the sale of Good Notes will be given directly to an NGO that works to care for street and working children in Lebanon.
How long will this campaign be on for?
The aim is to have this initiative become permanent, growing to add more pharmacies and other business that can help street children access the necessities they need.
What if a street child refuses to take the Good Note from me?
We are working closely with an NGO that operates in Lebanon to care for street children. This NGO has direct contact on ground with the children, and has been educating them on what the notes are and how they can be used.
However, it is possible that you meet a child on the street that has not heard of Good Notes and does not want to take one. Take your time to explain to them what Good Notes are.
