Sharjah: The Expo Centre Sharjah buzzed with energy and purpose as 3,000 community members gathered for the ‘UAE Stands with Lebanon’ relief aid event on Saturday, which collected 250 tonnes.
Following successful rounds in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Sharjah edition is also part of the larger humanitarian effort organised in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and The Big Heart Foundation. The initiative aims to provide essential aid to families affected by the ongoing conflict in Lebanon.
The aid collection drive was organised under the supervision of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council by the Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), and the Sharjah Charity International (SCI) in cooperation with various Emirati humanitarian institutions and charitable associations saw massive public participation.
Launched as per the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with the follow up of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and under the supervision of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, the campaign has been going on for nearly two weeks now.
The event in Sharjah saw impressive turnout from the community. Among the dignitaries taking part were Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler’s Office, and Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Charity International (SCI), reflecting the leadership’s deep involvement in helping the distressed.
Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi stressed that support for humanitarian work was at the core of the UAE’s salient characteristics and praised the cooperation of various humanitarian institutions in campaigns like the current one.
Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of TBHF, drew attention to the mass support the campaign attracted since its launch. “This support for humanitarian efforts has been very consistent. Both the public and private sectors have enthusiastically come out to extend a helping hand,” she added.
Abdullah bin Khadem, Executive Director of the Sharjah Charity International, explained that the participation of the community in all its diversity in humanitarian aid campaigns like this reflected the humane core of the Emirati society to help people in hardships.
From the early morning hours, volunteers worked together to pack essentials such as food supplies, hygiene products, and winter items.
‘It’s so heartening’
Alya Al Matrooshi, media officer at The Big Heart Foundation, expressed her appreciation for the large turnout on a weekend.
“It’s so heartening to see so many people come together for a common cause. It’s amazing to see their efforts. They left their homes early to be here,” she said.
Community members, young and old, packed supplies such as oil, wheat, sugar, salt, canned food, tea, dates, biscuits, blankets, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, among other items.
Sara Khaled Nofal, an 11-year-old volunteer from Jordan with Sharjah Charity International, felt proud to be part of the initiative.
“I get emotional when I see videos of small children affected by the crisis in Lebanon and Gaza. So when I got this opportunity, I knew I had to do my part. I’m always praying for them and hoping for their safety,” Sara said.
The initiative highlights the UAE’s ongoing commitment to timely humanitarian assistance.
Messages of hope
As volunteers continued to arrive throughout the afternoon, gathering around tables laden with supplies, the event not only served as a platform for sending aid but also raised awareness about the struggles faced by people in Lebanon.
While volunteers worked tirelessly to pack boxes, a group of children painted backpacks, while others wrote inspiring messages and drew the Lebanese flag on a large paper roll.
“Our brothers don’t have homes in Lebanon. We are drawing a home on the bags for them. We are here to give them hope,” the children said.
‘Worsening situation’
Assaf Doumit, Consul General of Lebanon in Dubai, was moved by the show of support.
“The number of people participating in this campaign gives you a feeling that you are not alone. We witnessed this in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and now here in Sharjah,” Doumit said.
“The situation in Lebanon is getting worse. More than 1.2 million Lebanese have been displaced, and there are many fatalities and injuries due to the ongoing aggression.
“I thank all the participants in this campaign. The call by the UAE Rulers has been answered by the community here.
“The Lebanese people and the government need much more help as the situation worsens because of the war. Hopefully, the aggression ends soon,” Doumit added.
‘Timely response’
Stephen Anderson, director of the World Food Programme and representative to the GCC region, pointed out that around 1.3 million people, especially women, children, and the elderly, have been affected in Lebanon.
“This campaign to send essential humanitarian items to the people of Lebanon is a timely response, and the World Food Programme welcomes it,” Anderson said, noting that food aid from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) is reaching 250,000 people in Lebanon.
“The World Food Programme is already responding on the ground with this [MBRGI] food aid, but these efforts need to continue.
“The outpouring of popular enthusiasm, solidarity, and support must continue. This is also needed for other crises in the region, including Gaza, where people are facing an extremely dire humanitarian situation,” Anderson emphasised.
-with inputs from WAM
