The holy month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, community gathering, and extending a helping hand to those in need. Following this spirit, the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) announced a comprehensive Ramadan campaign valued at Dh37.6 million, aiming to support 1.8 million individuals both within the UAE and across 44 countries around the globe.
This initiative, titled “Ramadan… Continuous Giving,” embodies the core values of the ERC and aims to provide essential support during this significant period.
About Emirates Red Crescent (ERC)
The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) is the humanitarian arm of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), established in 1983. It functions as the national Red Cross Society and is a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Core Mission:
- Providing humanitarian assistance to people in need, both within the UAE and internationally.
- Promoting humanitarian principles such as peace, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
- Responding to emergencies and disasters, both natural and man-made.
Key Activities:
- Distributing food, water, and medical supplies to vulnerable populations.
- Providing shelter and other essential items to displaced people.
- Implementing healthcare and educational programs.
- Supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
- Promoting peacebuilding and conflict resolution initiatives.
What is the Emirates Red Crescent Ramadan Campaign?
Dh37 million Ramadan campaign aiming to support 1.8 million people across the UAE and 44 other countries during Ramadan 2024.
The campaign encompasses a diverse range of programs designed to meet the various needs of beneficiaries during Ramadan. These include:
- Iftar meals: This program will provide nourishing meals to break the daily fast for approximately 1 million people throughout the UAE at a cost of Dh10 million.
- Zakat Al Fitr: This compulsory charity, distributed at the end of Ramadan, will be extended to 36,500 individuals in the UAE, costing Dh7.3 million.
- Eid clothing: To celebrate Eid Al Fitr, the ERC will provide new clothes to 36,500 people within the UAE at a cost of Dh3.5 million.
- Ramadan food parcels: Essential food items will be distributed through “Ramadan baskets” to 35,000 individuals in the UAE, with an allocation of Dh5.6 million.
It Reaches Beyond the UAE
What’s really impressive about this campaign is that the ERC’s compassionate reach extends beyond the UAE’s borders, aiming to assist individuals facing challenging circumstances in 44 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. This international support will provide:
- Iftar meals: Daily meals during Ramadan for over 800,000 individuals, at a cost of Dh7.7 million.
- Zakat Al Fitr: This essential charity will be distributed to aid those in need, with an allocation of Dh3 million.
- Eid clothing: New clothes will be provided to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, costing Dh3.5 million.
A Focus on Women and the Gaza Strip
This year’s campaign also introduces a new initiative specifically catering to women. Dedicated Ramadan sites and tents offering iftar meals will be established in three initial locations: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ajman.
This program aims to provide a safe and comfortable space for women to break their fast and connect with the community during Ramadan.
Furthermore, the ERC will prioritise supporting individuals in the Gaza Strip, a region facing significant humanitarian challenges. Daily iftar meals for 10,000 people will be distributed throughout Ramadan, alongside other necessary Ramadan support.
How can you Donate and Contribute?
The ERC has established various avenues for the public to contribute to this impactful campaign. These include:
- Donation collection sites: Over 321 locations strategically placed across the UAE make it easy to find a drop-off point near you. These sites are primarily located in:
- Shopping malls: High-traffic areas frequented by many individuals, allowing for spontaneous acts of generosity.
- Popular markets: Local markets frequented by residents, offering a convenient option for regular shoppers to contribute.
- Densely populated areas: Ensuring accessibility for a wider range of individuals within the community.
- Donating Essential Items:
- In-kind donations: The ERC accepts donations of specific essential items at designated locations. This allows individuals to contribute directly to the needs of beneficiaries by donating items like:
- Non-perishable food items: Canned goods, rice, pasta, cooking oil, etc.
- Hygiene products: Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.
- Clothing: New or gently used clothes suitable for various ages and genders.
- Convenience at Your Fingertips:
- Online and electronic options: The ERC embraces digital solutions, providing various online and electronic platforms for secure and convenient donations:
- ERC website: A user-friendly website allows you to donate using your preferred payment method easily.
- Smartphone application: Download the ERC app for on-the-go donations and campaign updates.
- Bank deposits: Contribute directly through secure bank transfers using provided account information.
- Text messages: Send a designated text message (details available here) to make a quick and easy donation.
- Cash donation boxes: Look for secure ERC donation boxes placed in various locations throughout the UAE.
- Electronic devices: Donate using contactless payment options available at specific donation locations.
Wrapping Up
Ramadan is indeed a time for generosity and solidarity.
The Emirates Red Crescent’s Ramadan campaign serves as a powerful example of collective generosity and the importance of supporting those in need during this sacred month. By contributing to this initiative, individuals can actively participate in fostering compassion, solidarity, and a spirit of giving during Ramadan.
