Dubai: Needy families will be given Ramadan food coupons worth Dh300 on June 4 by the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD), which this year hopes to reach 1,000 families.
Last year, the association distributed coupons to around 800-900 families, Dr Faisal Ikram, general secretary of the association, said.
The families will be able to redeem the coupons for Dh300 worth of food products from Lulu hypermarkets.
The association hopes to reach out to at least 1,000 families this Ramadan, up from around 850 families in 2014 and roughly 600 families in 2013.
If the target is met, it would mean donors would have raised Dh300,000 worth of coupons this year.
The annual programme, now in its fifth edition, initially used to distribute food packs containing a selection of items. However, since 2015, the donations are being handed out in the form of coupons instead of the usual boxes.
Dr Ikram said families find it more convenient and dignified to collect coupons instead of boxes. PAD is also distributing the coupons early so families have time to shop before Ramadan, which this year begins around June 6. However, the families can use the coupons any time in Ramadan.
According to estimates made by PAD, the Dh300 coupons are likely to meet the basic Ramadan food requirements for an average family of four. The coupons are redeemable against all kinds of food products, providing flexibility and choice.
PAD has already assessed the situation of hundreds of recipients and maintains a record of such eligible families, Dr Ikram said. However, if a needy family is referred by the community, PAD will also try to assist new cases.
“As always, the response has been good from members of the community, who are generating the funds for the coupons,” Dr Ikram added.
He also said PAD is organising a series of Ramadan initiatives. There will be lectures on Ramadan topics and health awareness for labourers, who will also receive iftar packs and Eid gifts. Around 1,500 workers will be targeted in the annual campaign.
Additionally, PAD will organise its prisoner release programme for those sentenced for minor offences. Women prisoners will also receive Eid gifts.
PAD will also coordinate with community members this year to clean the Pakistani mosque on Oud Metha Road as part of its Ramadan mosque cleaning campaign.
