Tuesday, Jul 17, 2012
Al Ain: UAE Red Crescent Authority - Al Ain branch yesterday (Monday) unveiled its annual support programme to help destitute families with edible items and free iftar meals in tents during the month of Ramadan across the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi emirate.
Different business houses are supporting RCA’s efforts. Al Ain Co-operative Society yesterday (Monday) gave a cheque for Dh200,000 to the RCA at a ceremony.
The cheque was handed over by Abdullah Ali Mohammad Al Ka’abi, Chairman of the Co-op society, to Salem Airayes Al Ameri, Manager of the RCA- Al Ain branch. The ceremony was also attended by Nahyan Barakat and Wala’a Rashid, Vice-chairman and general manager of Al Ain Co-operative Society, respectively.
Speaking to Gulf News, Al Ameri said the RCA has planned some 29 iftar tents across the region. A thorough study has been conducted to select appropriate places for the tents, benefiting low income labourers and families.
The tents will serve food and beverages throughout the month in different business and residential neighbourhoods, including Sanaiya, Oud Al Tuba, and the Central District. All these camps offer more than 3,500 meals per day, he said.
RCA, a national humanitarian and voluntary authority, has also announced distribution of food supplies to underprivileged families in Al Ain. The programme will help thousands of underprivileged families, registered with the authority, in the remote areas and the city.
“The number of such families, including expatriates and Emiratis, has grown due to the economic conditions,” he said. Al Ain Co-operative Society, said Al Ameri, has also provided free food coupons for distribution among the need families. Last year these coupons were given to 30,000 families. The society has promised to give seven per cent more coupons this year to accommodate more need people, Al Ameri added.
These coupons will be given to the registered families on daily bases from the office of the RCA from the first day of Ramadan. The RCA has also distributed 600 parcels of edible items daily from its Al Ain office among the needy. “This is a humanitarian initiative during the holy month of Ramada and we encourage philanthropists and privileged people to come forward and support the RCA’s efforts,” said Al Ameri.
The spirit of Ramadan is reconciliation and rapprochement with the Almighty Allah. “I believe most people take a keen interest in doing good deeds during the month,” he said, adding that Muslim understands and devote time, especially during this month, for the betterment of humanity and the societies they live in.
By Aftab Kazmi Bureau Chief
Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.
