Online call for charity is answered by hundreds

Hundreds of people donated money and walked 1km to raise money for orphans.

Azza al Nuaimi, a business science student at Zayed University, was one of the three student organisers of the Beat the Heat walkathon held at Safa Park in Dubai yesterday. Jeff Topping / The National
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DUBAI // Dozens of orphans will be given new air conditioners and refrigerators, thanks to hundreds of walkers who went to Safa Park yesterday to raise donations.

The "Beat the Heat" walkathon, organised by students at Zayed University, drew attention online, bringing residents who donated money and walked 1km on a hot, humid evening.

The campaign was part of a university project by the students Meerah Ketait, Sarah al Qassimi and Azza al Nuaimi.

The walkathon was organised with the support of Young Eager Steps (Yes), an organisation that supports Emirati youth, and the electronics company Haier.

"We got a lot of support through our word on Twitter and Facebook," said Ms Ketait, a marketing student. "More than 240 followers pledged their support online."

The registration fee of Dh10 and additional donations from the participants will ensure 54 orphaned families receive air conditioners and refrigerators.

The Yes foundation will work with the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation to identify those who are most in need.

Anil Prabhakaran of India went to the event with his family and said he found out about it on the internet.

"We have never done a charity walk before but when we found out about this my son said we should be supporting it," Mr Prabhakaran said.

He said he was not aware of the living situations of orphans in the Emirates, but "as a resident of the country we should try to contribute as much as we can".