Published: Wed 17 May 2017, 3:52 PM
Updated: Thu 18 May 2017, 8:23 AM
It is the 'Year of Giving' in the UAE and what better way to get involved than to join in to help the less fortunate?
Dubai's Ramadan Sharing Fridge initiative is back this year with the holy month just a week away. A brainchild of Australian native, Sumayyah Sayed, the initiative grew organically during last Ramadan and is back to help the needy this summer.
"Last year, we had over 150 fridges and this Ramadan the momentum is building and we already have 40 fridges in place. Our aim is to remain as organic and grassroots level as possible. It is not about multiplying the number of fridges but ensuring that those opened are managed and filled regularly."
On their Facebook page, there is constant interaction about residents sponsoring a new fridge, a shout out for donating more food and help for creating a buzz. They have centralised the fridge locations by area into focal groups so that communities can work together to stock these fridges.
How you can help
If you want to be part of the initiative, check out their map and locate a fridge. You can donate water, juices, fruits, packed food etc. at a fridge near you. "We could easily go through 10kg of fruit and veggies and approximately 50 litre of water/juice daily. It is not uncommon to fill the fridge 15 to 20 times a day, so we count heavily on the goodwill of Dubai residents to donate throughout Ramadan month," says Sayed.
Best items to donate to the fridges
The most popular items are: drinks (juices and soda) water, laban, fruit (bananas, apples, oranges, grapes, watermelon in portions) and vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions). Dry food such as dry fruits (dates), biscuits, nuts and crisps can also be added.
Locations
The initiative is spread across Dubai in areas like Jebel Ali, Marina, Sports City, Umm Suqueim, Jumeirah, Al Barsha, Meydan, Midriff. Check the entire list here
Best time
Understandably, the most appropriate time to donate food at these sharing fridges is during the noon hours as the mercury rises during the summers. Community workers are present between 8am and 6pm. So, head out and check the fridge in your area.
The social buzz
The initiative reached a larger number of Dubai residents, thanks to the buzz created on social media and WhatsApp. Even this year, their Facebook and Instagram pages are buzzing with requests and posts. Around 600 members have been added in less than two weeks, leading to a total of over 23,500 members, Sumayyah adds.
They are looking for more volunteers to come forward, whether to open a fridge or to supply stocks for existing fridges.
anita@khaleejtimes.com
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