Dubai: Hundreds of Filipinos celebrated Valentine's Day early Friday to help victims of the Haiti earthquake.
More than 600 people gathered at Zabeel park at 8am and set out on a family trip.
They visited the Mubazzarah Park before proceeding to Jebel Hafeet and then to Al Ain Zoo.
For every person who participated, Dh10 will be donated to the victims of the earthquake through the UAE Red Crescent Society, which is currently involved in aid work in the devastated country.
Off-road adventures
The event was organised by the Filipino Off-Road Auto Club (FORAC), which conducts weekly off-road adventures for its members.
Rene Montibon, one of the organisers, said they want to show their solidarity with Haitians and also do their bit in return for the general support they received from countries around the world after the recent typhoon that devastated the Philippines.
"We encouraged our members and families to celebrate Valentine's Day for a cause this year as thousands of people are homeless and suffering in Haiti. It was the generous contribution of people from all over the world that helped Filipinos rebuild their lives when a typhoon devastated our country recently, and now we want to reciprocate," said Montibon, an active member of the club.
Happy to help
Christina Reyes, a receptionist who participated in the charity outing with her husband and two children, said she wanted to pay back the help and support her country had received.
"People went beyond geographical boundaries to help us out when our country was devastated. I am happy to do my bit and join Haitians in their hour of misery," said the receptionist from Dubai.
FORAC, which was formed three years ago and has more than 120 members in Dubai alone, organises five charity events every year.
The club also has branches in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.Dubai: Hundreds of Filipinos are celebrating their Valentine's Day by helping victims of Haiti earthquake.
