Thousands of labourers receive food packages as part of charity drive

Thousands of labourers in Dubai have been handed free Iftar meals along with bags containing hand wash, shampoo and soap.

Volunteers hand out iftar care packages to labourers as part of the Smile On The Face initiative at the Al Shafar General Contracting Company staff accommodation in Al Quoz, Dubai. Christopher Pike / Show more

DUBAI // Charity workers in the UAE have given out free iftar meals to make sure that labourers do not go hungry during Ramadan.

Thousands of labourers gathered in a camp in Al Qouz yesterday and were gifted iftar food packs along with bags containing hand wash, shampoo and a bar of soap.

The donations were part of the Smile On The Face initiative, which is now in its sixth year.

It has brought people from many nationalities, religious backgrounds and income groups together for a single purpose – to provide meals to labourers and put a smile on the faces of some hardworking people.

Uttam Kumar, 30, the managing director of Timequest Events, which organised the campaign, said: “Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.”

Mr Kumar said that he has contributed to the initiative every year it has been in operation, along with several UAE-based companies that have made financial donations, including Al Mashreq Bank and Dubai Investment.

“Every Friday during Ramadan, we will provide iftar meals to labourers in camps in Dubai and in Sharjah,” said Mr Kumar.

“Anyone can volunteer through the Smile On The Face Facebook page,” he said.

Volunteers packed boxes with iftar meals, toiletries and towels. Some items were donated, while others were purchased with money given by businesses.

He said that the concept of giving is very important in the community.

“These people are always contributing in developing and cleaning the city,” he said. “Therefore, they should be recognised for their hard work.

“The time we spend with labourers makes a huge difference in their lives.”

Hazem Malkawi, 33, was among the volunteers who distributed food to the labourers.

“It is essential to give back to the needy people in the community and to the labourers who work and sweat in the heat,” he said.

“Everyone has an opportunity to help and it can make a difference, no matter how small that favour may be.

“I have been volunteering in similar initiatives since I was a kid.

“We should always support this part of our community as they play a great role in our lives.

“This type of initiative shows them that there are people who still care about them.”

Bangladeshi Rohan Sayeed was one of the workers benefiting from the distribution at the labour camp.

“I am very happy. At iftar, I will gather with my friends to eat together,” he said. “Also, I got a bag containing hand wash, shampoo and a bar of soap.”

The non-profit Smile on the Face has helped tens of thousands during Ramadan over the last six years.