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UAE: New Ramadan campaign to raise Dh110m for charity

Sharjah - Non-profit body looks to help the poor and the needy during the Holy Month amid the Covid-19 challenge

The Supreme Committee for the Ramadan campaign Jood (meaning 'generosity' in Arabic) — which was launched by the Sharjah Charity Association (SCA) — has put in place an elaborate mechanism to raise Dh110 million from sponsors and philanthropists.

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Speaking to Khaleej Times at the press conference, SCA chairman Shaikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi said that the charity services would be provided to all the poor and needy in the country — particularly the emirate of Sharjah — regardless of nationalities and religion.

Al Qasimi said: “We pay great attention to the Ramadan campaign as the 'mother' campaign to support the association’s other drives and projects throughout the year. The Supreme Committee for the Ramadan campaign "Jood" has drawn up plans to raise Dh110m.”

Al Qasimi said during the Covid-19 pandemic, which had a direct negative impact on the stability of many families, the SCA's work went up manifold amid these hard times.

“Fortunately, the SCA has overcome these challenging times following the whole-hearted support of our sponsors and philanthropists. We’ll continue to support those who've been affected by the pandemic, Emiratis and UAE residents alike,” he added.

Abdullah Sultan bin Khadim, Executive Director, SCA, addressed the press conference, which was organised at House of Wisdom, and stated that "Jood" aimed to raise funds that would be ploughed into implementation of projects, programmes and initiatives during the Holy Month of Ramadan. An estimated Dh60.4m would be required for this purpose, he added.

One million iftar meals will be distributed in the UAE and abroad at a cost of Dh15 million. Meanwhile, 25,000 beneficiaries will receive food baskets at an estimated cost of Dh3.2 million.

“We're also focusing on raising the allocations of the zakat fund to Dh8 million in a bid to support 20,000 beneficiaries. Eid Al-Fitr zakat will benefit 15,000 families. It’ll cost another Dh3 million. Clothes will be distributed on the pious occasion to 5,000 beneficiaries at an estimated cost of Dh1.2 million,” bin Khadim said.

The robust campaign includes several charitable initiatives to bring joy to 550 targeted families. These initiatives are based on relief programmes for the distressed such as those who defaulted in paying their monthly rents, power and water utility bills, children’s school tuition fees and medicines. The SCA has set aside Dh7.5m to tide over the financial woes of those in need.

International charity projects

Bin Khadim said that the SCA launched international charitable projects and allocated Dh23.5 million for the purpose.

Plans are afoot to launch five campaigns such as "Little Hearts" at a cost of Dh2.4 million, performing catherisation surgery on 251 children, and setting up nine schools in areas that lack these basic amenities.

The SCA seeks to build 109 homes to shelter the poor and orphans, and set up integrated charitable villages to provide a decent life to the needy at an estimated cost of Dh8.7 million.

The organisation is digging 21 wells to provide potable water in remote villages, where such facilities are few and far between because of prolonged drought and lack of rainfall. The drinking water project is estimated to cost Dh2.4 million.

It will also set up 17 mosques, which will cost Dh5.5 million.

“We’re committed to the measures by restricting social gatherings as much as possible, and to observe all precautionary measures. To ensure safety, we developed alternative plans to accommodate thousands of beneficiaries, including needy families affected by the pandemic that still casts its shadow over many groups in the society,” bin Khadim added.