Abu Dhabi: The UAE has always taken an active role in helping thousands of people affected by crises and tragedies all over the world, and Syria is not an exception.
The first day of a fundraising drive titled ‘Our hearts with the people of Syria’ and jointly sponsored by Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) and the National Media Council (NMC),raised Dh66 million for Syrian refugees on Friday.
The two-day telethon, which kicked off at the Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi, was broadcast on Abu Dhabi TV and will continue on Saturday from 2 to 4pm.
The event witnessed donations pouring in. Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the Women’s General Union, donated Dh10 million under the directives of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Dubai Islamic Bank donated Dh10 million prior to the launch of the drive.
The campaign received overwhelming responses from various organisations, companies and businesspeople across the country. The refugees are facing a severe cold wave and are living in tents in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey.
The cold weather has led to a severe shortage of basic necessities and the deterioration of living conditions in the camps.
Generosity
Volunteers of various ages who are participating in the telethon said they were very happy to take part in a humanitarian activity of this scale.
“I am very happy to see such a huge campaign held to help Syrian refugees. Generosity is not something new to the UAE. The country has always provided aid and a helping hand to less fortunate people all over the world,” Mohammad Juma, 25, told Gulf News. “I was in the Marina Mall since morning. I have seen many people buying blankets from nearby stores and donating money at the ERC counters. I was very happy to see everyone engaged in this drive and concerned by Syria’s tragedy,” he added.
Huge crowds were also seen outside the mall, where a tent was pitched to receive donations of new blankets, warm clothes and winter boots.
“I did not have the chance to go to the Marina Mall, but I believe such a campaign would be a great relief for refugees during harsh weather conditions. The ERC has played a great role in providing humanitarian support and I hope other charity organisations do the same,” Naim Al Sakaamini, Syrian resident in Abu Dhabi, told Gulf News.
