Ramadan gift for a million kids

Ramadan gift for a million kids Muaz Shabandari / 11 July 2013 One million children around the world will become the beneficiaries of a new Ramadan campaign launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The initiative aims at collecting donations during the holy month of Ramadan to supply clothing to one million children. Calling on people to support the campaign, Shaikh Mohammed announced the initiative on Twitter. Tweeting with the hashtag #Dress1MillionNeedyChildren, he said: “Giving joy and support to 1 million children is our mission for this Ramadan. I invite everyone to be part of this campaign, and remember that the more we give, the more we get back.” Every Ramadan, Shaikh Mohammed announces a new charity campaign, in line with the tradition of giving and generosity of the people of UAE. Previous campaigns include the launch of Dubai Cares, Noor Dubai and the family village for orphans. “Giving is a deeply rooted value in our religion, and the UAE has built its foundation on that basis,” said Shaikh Mohammed in one of his tweets. This year’s campaign will be hosted in partnership with the UAE Red Crescent Authority and it will continue until September 19, which falls on UAE’s Humanitarian Work Day, and marks the 9th anniversary of the death of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. On the occasion of the launch, Shaikh Mohammed emphasised: “The Holy Month of Ramadan represents an exceptional opportunity to celebrate the values of goodness, giving and cooperation, which increases the importance of launching social and charitable constructive initiatives during the month, especially those initiatives in which the people of the UAE can share and collaborate.” He added: “In the Emirates, we have a tradition of goodness, to extend a helping hand to disadvantaged groups in different parts of the world, especially the poor and needy, as well as disadvantaged children regardless of colour and race. The spirit of giving is a characteristic of Zayed’s sons and daughters, it is a culture which is deeply rooted in our community.” Commending the initiative, Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares said: “Philanthropic as he is, it is in the nature of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to always take the initiative when it comes to supporting those affected by harsh realities around the world.” He added: “It is no surprise that His Highness aims to reach out to the underprivileged, specifically addressing the need of one million children worldwide. This campaign encourages the entire UAE community to extend its support to those who are forced to make do with little in their lives, providing them with basic necessities and helping them maintain their dignity in the harsh environment they live in.” “It is a great campaign and the first beneficiaries of the initiative will be children at a refugee camp in Jordan supported by the UAE Red Crescent. We hope to reach the target in two weeks and help these children at the earliest,” said Mohammed Abdullah Alhaj Al Zaroni, Manager of the UAE Red Crescent’s Dubai branch. To support the campaign, send a message to 7040 (Dh40 for one child). To support four children, send a message to 7160 (Dh160). To support six children, send a message to 7240 (Dh240). To support 10 children, send a message to 7400 (Dh 400). Donations can also be made through bank transfers to the UAE Red Crescent. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (A/C number — 20000530), Dubai Islamic Bank (A/C number — 003-52051541-7001), Emirates Islamic Bank (A/C number — 0071679679-014). For more information on supporting the initiative, contact 800-RED (733) –muaz@khaleejtimes.com Taylor Scott International