Dubai: Eid Al Fitr came early for more than 600 Pakistani children who received various gifts in advance of the festival from Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) on Saturday.
Pakistani families visited the PAD centre in Oud Metha, where the gift distribution took place, as children chose for themselves what they wanted. On hand were new dresses, wristwatches, educational materials and toys.
The Zareen family drove all the way from International City to Oud Metha. The kids – Tayyaba, 11; Sameer, 8; Kand abeer, 5, picked their choices of a pink dress and toy cars. Their parents Shahid and Saima said: “They will be bringing along their new toys when we go camping in Fujairah during Eid.”
Supporting dreams
Rizwan Fancy, PAD’s director of welfare team, told Gulf News: “PAD organised the event to support little dreams and wishes.”
He said the gift-giving is the latest addition to the annual Ramadan activities by PAD that include iftar meals and Ramadan packages distribution across Dubai. PAD is also involved in supporting release of prisoners, he added.
“This Ramadan, over 600 Pakistani kids got early Eid gifts courtesy of PAD. And we would like to thank everyone who extended their support for this initiative,” Fancy said.
Huda, 18, a volunteer at PAD, said: “It was such a wonderful experience seeing kids smile and their faces lightened up after picking their gifts.”
Art for a cause
Meanwhile, PAD earlier held an online art auction called ‘Art For a Cause’, in which over 45 artworks were successfully sold. According to PAD, all proceeds from the auction will be used to support the provision of free healthcare for patients in need at Pakistan Medical Centre.
PAD secretary-general Muhsin Al Banna said: “It was very heartening to see the wonderful results of the auction, which was organised for a noble cause during this sacred month. Our strength truly lies in our community as people supporting free healthcare for all.”
The online auction was also an opportunity to promote community artists based in the UAE, he added.
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Al Banna continued: “We are incredibly grateful to the Community Development Authority (CDA) and our local charity partner Dar Al Ber Society for believing in our cause and facilitating our reach for the welfare of our people. Our community has also always been at the forefront of supporting our mission with their contributions of not just finances but also of their time and resources. Our deepest gratitude is with our volunteers and supporters who are helping us make a difference.”
