Every Eid, the Flea 4 Charity team hosts an Eid getaway for orphans and underprivileged children from Al Hemam Institute in Ajman. This institute focuses on youth who have been marginalised or are from low-income families, and dependent on charity and welfare organisations.
Flea 4 Charity is a Dubai-based initiative that helps fundraise for various causes, in collaboration with the UAE Red Crescent.
We have been doing this particular event twice (Eid al Adha and Eid al Fitr) every year since 2011 and we always try to bring in different kinds of activities that are both educational and fun for the children.
For example, last year, there were magicians who entertained the children while the UAE chapter of 350.Org (an environmental movement) educated the children about the climate crisis the planet is facing.
This Eid, we are taking 80 underprivileged children to Safa Park on October 26, Saturday, for some fun in the sun, given the pleasant weather.
There will be games, face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon-bending and magicians. We also have 20 children coming down from American International School who have prepared a set of activities for the children. We are pretty excited!
Such events really help cheer the children up, who, given their circumstances, do not always enjoy Eid the way the rest of us are used to. It creates a sense of belonging that everyone deserves.
One of my most memorable moments is a five-year-old child coming towards me, uttering something in Arabic that I couldn’t understand, but giving me a warm hug that I can never forget. It was truly touching.
Donations for the event are welcome. 100 per cent of all proceeds will be used towards transportation of the children, park entry fees, gifts (eidiya), food and activities.
If you would like to contribute, email us at sajid@flea4charity.com or send us a text message at 055 7767343.
The reader is an organiser at Flea 4 Charity.
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