Dubai: Last Saturday, around 75 expat residents from across the emirates gathered at the home of Indian expats Jessica and Rajiv David in Dubai to sing together. They were actually rehearsing for a caroling initiative that will raise funds for children with leukemia.
The group, who call themselves the Jingles, were also celebrating their official status this year, having a come a long way since 2011, when they were just nine friends who went round homes singing carols and ended up contributing Dh3,000 for kids with cancer.
Speaking to Gulf News, David said, “It’s been a miraculous and rewarding journey for the Jingles in Dubai. From that small group of around nine members in 2011 to now obtaining a licence from Emirates Red Crescent and a permit from the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), we have come a long way.”
He said, “Jingles chose this cause because children with leukemia have more than a 90 per cent chance of complete recovery and a cancer-free life, only if they are able to complete the entire course of their treatment which can cost anywhere between Dh150,000 and Dh350,000 per child. We identify only those children whose parents cannot affor the medical treatment by themselves.”
“Being able to help give a child a shot at life was the overwhelming reason for every Jingles member to come together for a cause that has gotten us to move out of the mundane, mechanical motions of life yet again over four weekends starting November 24 all the way up to December 23, caroling in the houses of friends and family who can help us raise funds,” added Jessica.
Going by their track record, the Jingles have made a huge difference. They raised Dh333,000 in 2014, Dh456,000 in 2016 and Dh650,000 in 2019.
“Over the years, Jingles has also grown to a 105-member team comprising children as young as three years, all the way up to 73,” said David.
He said the caroling practice, which is currently underway, started during the last weekend of October, preparing for a 15-20 minute performance at different homes.
“Families and friends who wish to invite us home typically contact us to book the slots in advance. They then invite more families and their friends to their homes when the Jingles visits them,” he said, adding that the support received is completely voluntary.
The children that the Jingles have helped so far include Layan, Basmala, Xander, Daujan, Ammar, Islam, Mohammad and Erica.
Jessica said, “These children are all completely free of cancer today and are living just like any child, laughing, learning and loving. Jingles also helped raise funds for a boy diagnosed with HUS (Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome) which is a rare condition requiring life-long treatment.”
This year, Jingles has identified leukemia patients Majdi, 2, who needs Dh454,467.38, Zain, 2.5 years who requires Dh619,196.21, Halina, 3.5 years, who needs Dh262,055 and Ayrton (Dh150,000-Dh200,000) , besides Ehab Amin, 6, diagnosed with Thrombotic Purpura (Dh13,875.96).
“All our slots are getting booked quickly, thanks to all our old supporters. We invite new families who wish to help make a difference in the lives of these children,” added David.
