Dubai
Blessed are the ones who can give as they shall always be connected to the network of humanity. The UAE’s commitment to introduce worthwhile initiatives like the ‘Year of Giving’ inspired my brother and I to initiate a campaign of our own, ‘A Light of Hope’, to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
The things we no longer want or need are often useful for others – particularly for those less financially comfortable than us. Our basic aim was to act as a bridge between those who wanted to give and those who are needy.
We announced the campaign in our neighbourhood and went door to door to talk to the people about how a simple act on their part will go a long way in making a big impact in someone’s life.
We both tried to do our best to make this campaign a success in order to collect various items like clothes, blankets, bedsheets, pillows, caps, shoes and other miscellaneous things. We would go for collection on a daily basis upon returning from school and at times, our neighbours would even drop off the items at our home.
It was heartening to see the humanitarian attitude of every family who wanted to give for this wonderful cause. The response from our friends and neighbours was truly overwhelming! After the items had been collected, we checked them to ensure they were in proper condition and thereafter packed them neatly into cartons.
These were finally deposited with the Emirates Red Crescent, a humanitarian organisation that helps other countries during times of crisis. We felt satisfied that the distribution of these items amongst the less fortunate was now ensured!
Lehak Mirpuri, a pupil based in Dubai, said: “There are people who do not have a place to live, food to eat or clothes to wear. This campaign was all about helping the underprivileged, which is a good deed. Money or other kinds of donation do help the poor and needy, but the need is to direct your energies and efforts in raising them, building relationships, teaching them and moreover, regaining their confidence.”
Rajshri Mishra, a doctor based in Dubai, who participated in the campaign said: “Social awareness and social responsibility need to begin early in life. Empathy and caring for the underprivileged and disadvantaged people is what makes us human.”
Giving is the greatest form of happiness. We all feel happy when we receive something but often this happiness is short-lived as we soon find ourselves wanting something else that we don’t yet have. True happiness therefore, comes not from receiving but from giving.
Our parents have always motivated us to think that humanity is like a big family. There are so many ways of giving. In fact, just a smile can be a great gift as it does not cost anything, but can give immense happiness to someone who is down and out.
I would like to inspire readers, to make an effort to do their bit for those less fortunate. As is said, every long journey starts with a first small step.
— The reader is a pupil based in Dubai.
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