Big Heart Foundation launches fund-raiser

Sharjah: The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), a global humanitarian charity dedicated to helping children and families in need worldwide, has launched a local campaign seeking support from UAE citizens and residents to support Palestinian and Syrian refugee children, child cancer sufferers, and children in need.

The campaign aims to help alleviate the suffering of children affected by conflict and those with cancer by providing them with essentials such as health care, access to clean water, clothes and shelter. The campaign is in line with the vision and directives of Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and the Ruler of Sharjah, to mobilise community support for refugee children. Shaikha Jawaher is the UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children.

Mariam Al Hammadi, director of Salam Ya Seghar, a TBHF initiative, said, “As underprivileged children continue to suffer we must step up our efforts to provide them with more support. The launch of this community campaign comes in line with our commitment to provide the needs of those children and ensure they live a dignified life.”

The campaign’s timely launch comes as a number of Arab countries are suffering from crisis and war, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of families who have fled their homes and cities, looking for a safe haven in other countries. As a result, many children and women are living under very difficult conditions in makeshift camps in neighbouring countries, which is a particular concern when the Middle East faces freezing weather and windstorms during the cold winter months.

Donations can be made through messages on both etisalat and du. Etisalat subscribers can donate Dh10 by sending an SMS to 2000, Dh50 to 2002 and Dh100 to 2003, while du users can donate Dh10 by texting 9415, and Dh50 to 9420.

Al Hammadi added, “Many people do not realise how small steps can lead to big changes and even small donations can go a long way for people in need. Therefore, we appeal to everyone in the UAE to help and support vulnerable women and children, who barely get even one meal a day and are struggling to live in dignity.”

Since its establishment, the Big Heart Foundation has provided life-saving medical services to over 365,000 Syrian refugees and given more than 400,000 others vital food and financial aid. During the winter months, the foundation provided basic essentials to children and their families such as warm shelters, blankets, and clothing in Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey and Lebanon.