Hundreds gather across UAE to pack donations for Pakistan

Hundreds of volunteers joined forces on Saturday to pack thousands of emergency kits and food supplies for those affected by the disaster flood in Pakistan.

From 9am to 1pm, Emiratis, residents, children and determined people gathered at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Dubai Expo City and Sharjah Expo Centre to volunteer across the country, collecting thousands of boxes, Send to those in need.

By the end of the day, volunteers had packed 1.2 tons of supplies into 30,000 boxes.

A community event called “We Stand Together” also gave children the opportunity to write uplifting messages and create drawings, which were placed inside relief boxes to express solidarity with the people of Pakistan and spread hope in the midst of crisis .

Tragedy for the country

Flooding from monsoon rains has killed some 1,200 people, including more than 400 children, and affected 33 million people since June.

Food supplies include flour, rice, lentils, ketchup and oil, while rescue kits include essential toiletries for women and children, including diapers, sanitary pads and soap.

About 500 volunteers gathered at the Expo Centre in Sharjah on Saturday to pack boxes, which were then shipped directly to Pakistan.

“This sport is from the UAE country to the people of Pakistan,” Mohammed Al Suwaidi, deputy director of Sharjah International Charity, told National Saturday.

“There will be around 10,000 relief boxes at each location. Many volunteers from the UAE participated in the event.”

The initiative is led by the Emirates Red Crescent Society, Dubai Cares and Sharjah Charity Society, and is coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Ministry of Community Development.

young and old

For 9-year-old Burhan Uddin, helping the people of his home country pack disaster relief kits is a quality time with his mother.

He was one of the youngest volunteers to come with his family.

“First of all, I wrote some text in Urdu on the card to express my solidarity with the people affected by the disaster. I put the card in the box and am now helping my mum to pack the box. It will help my country. I am very happy ,” Burhan said.

Send a message of hope

Three Emirati children aged 10, 12 and 13 came with their father to help him pack food.

“Always stay safe, happy and healthy,” Hamdan, Mohammad and Karfan wrote on the card in the box.

“My kids love volunteering,” said their father, Rashid Al Haufaiti.

“They came today to help prepare the rescue kits and send them to Pakistan. It’s important to teach them to help others from the early stages of life.”

Some volunteers arrived early to help get the job done quickly and get rescue kits along the way.

“We are delighted to be part of this volunteer work,” said Mona Al Mattar, Emirates Charity Association, Ras Al Khaimah.

“We came at 7am to prepare for the day. As volunteers, we were inspired by the vision of the nation’s leaders to help and help those in need.”

For Israa Iskandar, a volunteer from Iraq, participating in the event brought a sense of relief knowing she would be part of an effort to help desperate people in Pakistan.

“I have been volunteering in the UAE for the past three years. I am happy to know that I can help those affected in Pakistan. It is part of the unity of the people of the UAE. I want them to be safe and we are supporting them,” Ms Iskandar said.

Last month, the Pakistani government and the United Nations launched a formal appeal for donations against the floods. Contributions required include food security, agricultural and livestock assistance, housing and non-food projects, nutrition programmes, primary health services, protection, water and sanitation, women’s health and education support.

The UAE is operating an air bridge to deliver humanitarian aid.

Dubai’s vice-president and ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid ordered aid worth AED50 million ($13.6 million) to Pakistan.

The food aid will be provided by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiative in partnership with the World Food Programme and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum humanitarian and charities.

Updated: September 10, 2022 at 12:42 pm