Hundreds of volunteers from across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) joined hands under “We Stand Together” initiative to pack 1,200 tons of food, health care and general hygiene items in 30,000 kits for flood-affected families in Pakistan within four hours.
The UAE is among the first countries that provided emergency support to flood-hit families in Pakistan with more than 37 flights and one sid ship after unprecedented monsoon rains and flash floods claimed about 1,400 lives since mid-June.
UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi also joined volunteers from across the UAE to collect relief packages for millions of Pakistanis affected by the catastrophic floods.
The community volunteering event saw citizens and residents of all ages and nationalities gather at three locations across the country including Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), Expo City Dubai and Expo Center Sharjah, and pack the relief kits in four hours.
Volunteers were grouped into different teams to pack two types of relief kits including food supplies as well as hygiene kits. Food supplies included items such as flour, rice, lentils, oil among other non-perishable items, while the hygiene kits contained essential toiletries for women and children such as diapers, sanitary napkins and soaps amongst others.
Young volunteers also sent positive messages such as “We are here to save you; we are in this together”, and “Sending you a sea monster as part of the rescue mission. Good luck and stay safe Pakistan” that were placed inside the relief kits.
Hamoud Abdullah Al Junaibi, Secretary-General of the ERC, praised the role of volunteers and said that “We Stand Together” coalition embodies the unity of the UAE humanitarian work and construes the value of partnerships in one of the most important areas related to improving life and alleviating the suffering of victims caused by disasters and crises.
Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares said “The coming together of hundreds of volunteers of all ages and nationalities and from all parts of the country to support Pakistan during this time, highlights the deep-rooted culture of generosity and compassion that the UAE community proudly shares. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers for committing their time and efforts to this initiative and turning it into another UAE success story.”
The “We Stand Together” initiative was launched by Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), Dubai Cares and Sharjah Charity International in close coordination with UAE”s Ministry of Community Development (MoCD) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) with the support of nine other UAE humanitarian organizations including Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, The Big Heart Foundation, Dar Al Ber, International Humanitarian City, UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE), Sharjah Charity House, International Charity Organisation and Emirates Charitable Association.