Dubai
Around the world, conflict is taking a massive toll on people’s lives. Every day, humanitarian aid workers help millions of people, regardless of who they are and where they are. So, for this year’s World Humanitarian Day, which was marked on August 19, we decided to take up an initiative just to make a small difference.
To reaffirm our support for aid workers and civilians, we organised a clothes donation drive where we collected old clothes, shoes, blankets and pillow covers from our friends and neighbours for an entire month. We asked them to donate used clothes and fabrics, which were in good condition, and to extend a little love by putting in the effort to wash, iron and fold them. As soon as we collected a large number of clothes, all the donations were handed over to the Emirates Red Crescent in Dubai.
These items will then be distributed to less privileged people and refugees in countries across the region. We believe this will be of help to them. We only wish to put in our maximum efforts to support and strengthen refugees and embolden humanitarian workers.
Tharian John, a student based in Dubai, who participated in the event, said: “We must know the importance of human lives and how we can support people through such activities. The UAE has opened various doors for us individuals to help these innocent civilians and we, as responsible human beings, must utilise it. We must help our society in any way possible.”
World Humanitarian Day is a global celebration of people helping others. Service to humanity has become an absolute necessity. It brings hope and life to everyone.
Furthermore, the year 2018 was declared the Year of Zayed, which compels us to emulate the great leader and founding father of the UAE and follow in his footsteps.
Nimisha Ajaykumar, another student based in Dubai, said: “You have two hands. One to help yourself and the second to help others. There are so many people in this world who are less fortunate than us. We have the opportunity to give back to society through volunteering and donating. It is a truly satisfying experience and we feel blissful when we realise that our things will benefit the ones who receive it. Only by giving are you able to receive more than you actually have.”
The eager commitment of people, who came together to thank society through such a noble cause, was simply exciting and overwhelming. I would like to thank everyone who generously donated their clothes to make this event a success.
We were amazed by the enthusiastic response and generous contributions. People realised the value of the things we often take for granted and how priceless it could be for others. It is truly heartwarming to bring smiles to the faces of those who are in need. This proves our solidarity and commitment to aid workers and refugees worldwide.
As the leader of India’s nonviolent independence movement, Mahatma Gandhi, once said: “The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others”.
I understand and reaffirm that happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give. Our goal is to rebuild faith in humanity and in the hearts of refugees and as many people as we can with our humble initiatives. We also wish to inspire everyone to do their bit to help others and our planet. Let’s all continue to work in order to map a better future for everyone.
— The reader is a student based in Dubai.
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