The people and organisations that have been aided by the Beit Al Khair Charity Society or the "House of Goodness" would fill many volumes.
Since its inception in 1989, its efforts have extended to wherever needed. Recently, it was awarded ISO 9001:2000 certification for its international standards of welfare.
Beit Al Khair is the second charitable and humanitarian society to gain this high standard award in the Middle East, after Zayed Charitable Society. The certificate was awarded following the verification by the Quality Certification Unit of the Ministry of Industry.
In a press conference held at the society's premises Juma Al Majid, Chairman of the society, said they formed Beit Al Khair to help needy UAE nationals and others.
This is because they follow the well-known instructions of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) to first help one's kin before giving charity to others.
He said that they render a number of humanitarian services in the UAE including supporting orphans and students, giving Eid clothes to poor people, and financially support poor people.
Al Majid confirmed that the society will continue its humanitarian efforts with programmes and strategies to improve its performance and satisfy its clients. He said that since its inception their projects have witnessed a growth of 23 per cent to 145 per cent on others. He revealed that they spent Dh27 million on their projects during 2002.
Mirza Al Sayegh, a member of the board, said that more than 15,000 children have benefited from their Eid clothing project, which was launched in 1992.
Elaborating on their activities, he added that during Ramadan they have a special project called "Al Meer Al Ramadhani", or Ramadan provisions.
Under this project, coupons worth Dh500 can be redeemed at cooperative societies. Some 5,000 families benefited last year and the number will risethis year, he said.
About 9,000 needy families are given a monthly stipend by the society, he added. It also launched a new charity drive in 2000, entitled "Ataa", which means gifts.
The endowment project aims to provide funds for the different charity programmes the society runs. The campaign has the approval of the Dubai Department Islamic and Awaqaf Affairs.
"Ataa is actually three projects in one as the donations are divided to fund three other programmes," he said.
Ahmad bin Eisa Al Sarkal, another board member, said 30 per cent of the annual income is granted to needy families supported by the society.
"Another 30 per cent is earmarked for seasonal projects such as the 'School Bag' programme or the 'Medical Aid' project," he said.
The remaining 40 per cent is invested in property, in a special Waqf programme to help finance current and future plans. He pointed out that 30 per cent of their income is from the Waqf project.
Gulf News 2003
