Abu Dhabi: Outside every mosque in the capital stands a rather nondescript container. The items collected through these boxes, however, could be the means to providing a better life for many people in need.
The boxes have been placed by the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) with the purpose of gathering donations, and they are being introduced outside all UAE mosques, an official at the ERC told Gulf News.
“We had a number of these donation points located throughout the UAE for a while, and noticed an overwhelming response to them. Many of the boxes were found stuffed with items that could help the needy. So we decided to increase our reach and make more of them available to those who wish to contribute,” the official said.
Residents are welcome to donate all kinds of clothing, shoes and other durable items. For practical reasons however, cash donations, jewellery and food items are not accepted.
“We collect these items on a regular basis and distribute them to the needy. Because of the ongoing conflicts in Iraq, Yemen and Syria, much of the proceeds have been directed there in recent times,” he said.
Donations are expected to increase during the month of Ramadan, which encourages giving and compassion for the poor and disadvantaged.
Residents lauded the initiative.
“I would walk to a donation box across the road from my house to contribute used items of clothing in good condition, but often found it so full that I could not put in my items. Now there is a box just outside the mosque, which means I can donate more. The act of giving has also been made extremely convenient,” said Mohammad M., a Sri Lankan resident in the capital.
L.T., a Palestinian resident, was also pleasantly surprised to hear of the initiative.
“In the past, I have found it difficult to donate my clothes, mainly because I did not know where these services were available. So the placement of boxes at every mosque is a great idea. You can’t miss them, and it should encourage people to give more,” she aaid.
In addition to the boxes, the ERC is also launching a number of other charity initiatives for Ramadan, which is expected to start on Sunday, June 29.
Nearly Dh24 million will be used to provide iftar meals to the needy at 123 locations across the UAE, as well as Eid clothing for those who need them. At the same time, Dh18 million has been allocated to support similar charity initiatives in 60 countries.
In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society, 50,000 packages of essential commodities will also be distributed. These packages contain basic ingredients, such as rice, sugar, cooking oil, flour and drinks, and they are priced at 30 per cent of their original sale price.
At a recent press conference to discuss some of the schemes, Dr Mohammad Al Fallahi, secretary-general of the ERC, had rged residents to increase their donations this year in light of the recent conflicts that are causing great suffering to people worldwide.
