Projects to aid 50,000 families

Haneen Dajani

• Last Updated: November 10. 2009 10:37PM UAE / November 10. 2009 6:37PM GMT

ABU DHABI // More than 50,000 families in 60 countries, including the UAE, Yemen and Somalia, will benefit from Eid projects carried out by the UAE’s primary humanitarian organisation, it was announced yesterday.

The UAE Red Crescent Authority (RCA) has earmarked Dh12.5 million (US$3.4m) for Eid al Adha projects, which include the distribution of goat meat and clothes.

About 15,000 of the families live in the Emirates, and include 160 people of various nationalities who will be sponsored for the Haj pilgrimage, for which Dh2m has been allocated. Around 35,000 families in other countries will also benefit, with priority given to those in Somalia and Yemen, and in Palestinian refugee camps inside and outside the territories.

The project – “Their eyes glitter with giving” – is held annually by the RCA to mark Eid al Adha.

“The RCA has been carrying out this project annually during Eid as per the teachings of Islam and the Prophet Mohammed to increase good deeds and giving during these days,” said Ahmed al Mazrouei, the chairman of the RCA.

The Dh12.5m budget is expected to increase as contributions come in from the public, who can make donations at any of the RCA’s centres in mosques and malls.

Soon, it will be even easier for people to contribute, as the authority’s website – www.rcuae.ae – will include links to the various RCA projects where people can donate online. This is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2010, according to Mohammed al Qamzi, the secretary general of the RCA.



hdajani@thenational.ae