A tryst with winter to find how refugees battle it out in the cold

Foggy morning in Dubai

January and February are known to be the coldest months when temperatures can vary from 15 degree Celsius to -10 degree Celsius in some countries. While we indulge in the warmth of our homes, sometimes wearing multiple layers of clothes and staying under blankets, thousands of displaced families in other places are left without that option. 
I took The Big Heart Foundation's (TBHF) winter challenge, being held as part of the Warm Hearts campaign that is set to raise funds to help 2,500 displaced families in Syria's Aleppo and Iraq's Mosul.
Started on January 1, the challenge was to get into a -6 degree Celsius room with no gloves or jackets for 10 minutes. It sounded doable, but was harder than it looked.
"Cold is a feeling you can never get used to," Sara Al Suwaidi, events coordinators at TBHF said as she led me inside the ice room. In UAE's relatively warm weather, getting into a room where cold breeze strikes your face can feel somewhat refreshing, but this sensation gradually started to fade away within the first two minutes.
The first parts of your body that become painful are your limbs. My hands soon started to shiver and my nails turned blue. Within five minutes, my limbs were painfully numb, my body started to stiffen up and my breathing got heavier.
The feeling of discomfort and pain started to thrust upon me as I lost my strength by the minute and all my mind could think of was some semblance of shelter that would allay the pain and eagerness to feel warm again. The cold took no time to creep into the bones and joints, making it hard to move.
The UN High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR) said at least five refugees had died from the cold weather since the start of the year, as temperatures dropped as low as -14 degree Celsius in parts of Greece. As temperatures fall across the Middle East, thousands are at risk of freezing to death.
With continuing conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Palestine, the Mena region accounts for more displacement than any other region. Surprisingly, studies showed that one in four people living in the UAE have family or friends affected by a natural disaster or humanitarian crisis.
While people like me, who took the challenge, had the choice of walking out of the 10 minutes of discomfort, it had given a gist of experiences felt by thousands of displaced people and families.
"Donations are coming in, but we are always hoping for more. The least that could be done is showing support and compassion," said Al Suwaidi.
As I walked out, I ran into Emirati social media influencer Diala Ali, who had just finished her challenge. "That was hard!" She said as she took some time to warm up. "I could barely finish the 10 minutes, and people out there might not be able to get through winter without our help."
Doors are open for donations until February1 to the charity foundation launched by Shaikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
A study earlier showed 73 per cent of UAE residents contributed to an international humanitarian cause in the past year, while 80 per cent are likely to continue their support in the coming year. There's no doubt residents will get that number running.
Taking the winter challenge
To spend 10 minutes in a -6 degree Celsius room is the challenge
The initial refreshing winter feel fades away within two minutes
Limbs start aching
Hands start shivering and nails turn blue
Within five minutes, limbs become painfully numb, body starts stiffening up and breathing gets heavier
The cold creeps into the bones and joints, making it hard to move
How to donate
Transfer to bank account: 0011430430012
International bank account: AE260410000011430430012
Or send SMS to du: Dh10 to 9965, Dh50 to 9967 or Dh100 to 9968
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai