Dubai: The Palestinian Children's Relief Fund (PCRF) is calling upon members of the community to join them as volunteers.
"We already have 490 dedicated volunteers in the UAE, who have helped us in various ways, but we would like to double the number to around 1,100 by the end of this year so more children can benefit from the organisation. We need volunteers who are prepared to assist whether it was financially or otherwise" said Rama Chakaki, a PCRF volunteer.
Ayat, a five-year-old girl and a war victim was at the lunch at BICE Mare restaurant at Souq Al Bahar yesterday. Her presence highlighted the need for more volunteers. She has suffered severe burn marks on her face, but that didn't stop her from smiling and happily speaking to guests. Ayat has been aided by the PCRF over the past two years.
"I can't believe the transformation that she has gone through," said Fairuz, Ayat's mother who attended the PCRF lunch with her daughter.
"We came here for her treatment only two years ago when she was around three. Back then she couldn't socialise with anyone and would burst into tears whenever someone looked at her face. Now she is happier and more confident. She even makes friends with children in parks," her mother said.
More than 90 community members were invited to raise funds for the PCRF and meet some of the children who the organisation had managed to bring to Dubai for medical treatment and care.
Eman Awdah Yabroudi, PCRF patients affair organiser, is thrilled with the amount of support that the PCRF has received from several organisations and individuals in the UAE.
"We had several organisations that helped us in many ways, especially Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charitable Establishment, Higher Colleges of Technology and many public and private hospitals that provided free medical care for the many children we are aiding. We appreciate the support from Dubai's local and multi-national community's and we hope the relationship continues."
