Gurudwara distributes blankets to workers in Dubai

Gurudwara and church officials with Rashid Al Teneiji at the interfaith charity event held in connection with Tolerance Day

On Thursday afternoon, community leaders from the Guru Nanak Darbar and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints came together to distribute blankets to around 3,000 workers at gurudwara in Jebel Ali, Dubai. The event was organised in connection with Tolerance Day on November 16.
Rashid Al Teneiji, a representative from the Ministry of State for Tolerance was present to support the interfaith humanitarian service project.
Last year, almost 8,500 food packets were distributed to mark the day. Keeping the coming winter months in mind, they chose to distribute blankets to the underprivileged segment of society.
There can be no better way to serve the community and help our brothers and sisters. This is the second year when we have arr-anged something in connection with Tolerance Day. I want to thank the UAE government and Shaikha Lubna bint Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, for supporting this noble cause," Al Teneiji said.
The distribution of blankets was arranged in the tent outside the gurudwara, with labourers queuing up to collect it. People came from different parts of Dubai and the UAE.
Hassan Mohammed, a battery operator came with his friend from RAK to collect a blanket. He said: "We are thankful to them for at least thinking about us and helping us. For us, it is a very big thing." Another worker, Balwant singh, who works as a driver was moved by their kindness and generosity. He said: "I am from a small village in Punjab, India, and never thought that people in Dubai will go out of their way to help needy people like us".
Jefferey Singer, President of the Abu Dhabi Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, feels it is our responsibility to care for the poor and needy, irrespective of their nationality or faith. He also spoke about the richness and multicultural aspects of the UAE, which shows tolerance towards every community.
"We are grateful for the interfaith partnership with our friends from the Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai. We are honored to join together in a shared commitment to tolerance and humanitarian service," Singer said.
ankita@khaleejtimes.com