Wanted: Volunteers

Calling out all residents and visitors of the U.A.E., specially those in Dubai:  you can make a difference and help the children in Gaza by volunteering to spend a few hours of your day at the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC).

Dubai Cares, a U.A.E. based charitable establishment, is joining a united front of UAE-based relief and charitable organizations to pledge humanitarian assistance and mobilize the UAE community to help the children of Gaza.

There are approximately 275,000 students of primary school age in Gaza and Dubai Cares is asking for your help to support them in this time of need.

Here’s how you can help:

Dubai Cares is currently recruiting volunteers to help package 50,000 basic school kits and 50,000 hygiene kits for the Children of Gaza. Approximately 150 participants are needed each day for this event, aiming to assemble approximately 10,000 kits a day .

Dubai Cares will supply all of the items required for the kits and your help is needed to pack and prepare them for shipping to the children of Gaza.

How to get there:

The Dubai International Financial Center:

Dates and Timings:

January 14 through January 20, 2009

Friday (January 16):  2 pm – 6 pm

Saturday (January 17):  10 am – 6 pm

Weekdays:  4 pm – 8 pm

What To Do:

Once you arrive at the Emperor Hall of the DIFC, you will be required to fill up a form (name and contact details).  You will then be given a name sticker, a Dubai Cares t-shirt, a cap, and a Dubai Cares pin.  You will also be assigned a table number.

When you find your designated table, you will find a paper which lists all the items required to be packed into each boxes.  For example, a box should contain:  toilet paper rolls, soap, detergent, shampoo, combs, toothbrushes, toothpastes, and a towel.  Volunteers can help by packing these toiletries in each box.

Also, others were assigned to tape the boxes.  Men carried boxes full of supplies to the tables, making sure the women and children don’t run out of stuff to pack.

The Experience:

The huge room was filled with people from different nationalities and religions, but with a common goal:  to help the children in Gaza.  In the news the other day, the reporter said that the people in Gaza do not even have the basic stuff that we are taking for granted, like toiletries.  Everyone in the room  got into work right away and started filling the boxes and packing them.

Some women brought their children along, who showed so much enthusiasm and passion, and prayed that the boxes they were packing with their little hands reach the children in Gaza.  Most of the people who showed up were professionals, some taking a few hours early from work to help.

A, a middle-aged lady, brought her three children with her, the youngest was a nine-year-old boy.  Her father is a Palestinian, who was forced to leave the country when he was just 10, and settled in Lebanon, where he met and married A’s mother.  He hasn’t returned to Palestine since, while A has never been to Palestine.  A few days ago, she was showing Google Earth to her father.  Together, they tried to search for his home.  A’s father got very emotional and couldn’t hold back his tears.

The 4 hours spent in the Emperor Hall of DIFC makes one realize how people, regardless of race and religion, abhor war and cruelty, and how everyone wishes to play a part in helping those in need.  A lot of people have decided to return the next day to continue packing.

Go and help!

All it requires of you is just a few hours of your time.

The Emperor Hall has restrooms and prayer halls, so you don’t miss your salaat.  The organizers will provide you with refreshments, like tea, coffee, soft drinks, fruit juice, water, and fruits.

Oh, and you’ll have the chance to make new friends too!

Keeping the very young occupied while Daddy and Mommy help pack the boxes.