DUBAI // A charity clothes appeal is helping people give back to the community, and stay fit and healthy in the process.

Yoga store yApparel is asking women to donate good quality sports and active wear in return for discounts. The clothes are passed on to the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, a shelter for women and children victims of domestic violence, child abuse and human trafficking.

The initiative has proven popular, particularly with expatriates who are looking to help charities during Ramadan.

“I sorted out my gym clothes and donated the ones I didn’t really wear anymore, including some old trainers,” said Jessica Olie. “I managed to get my mum and sister involved, too, so they helped out. Between us I think there were over 20 items.”

Although not Muslim, the 20-year-old British graduate, who is training to be a yoga teacher, jumped at the chance to get into the spirit of giving during the holy month.

“I donated to the project because I think it’s a great way to give back to the community, to those in need. A lot of the time we are thinking about what shoes we want next or that pair of jeans. It’s easy to forget how privileged we are and I strongly believe that it is important for those who can help, to help,” she said.

“Even if its one item of clothing, it’s going to someone who needs it. That is what makes this project so amazing, you can make a difference.”

The foundation sells the clothing collected and uses the proceeds towards the centre’s activities.

Tania Jarjur, who is Syrian-Lebanese, also donated to the project.

“I am not Muslim, but I appreciate and respect the meaning behind Ramadan,” said the 28-year-old lawyer, who has grown up in the UAE. “I have old workout clothes that don’t fit or work for my current exercise routine so what better way to get rid of them than sending them to a women’s shelter?”

Dina Ghandour, founder of yApparel, said the drive was in keeping with both the philosophy of yoga and the spirit of Ramadan.

“There’s a lot we learn from yoga, mostly about compassion, non-violence adn a lot of gratitude that comes through the teachings and this is a part of it. The teachings of Ramadan interlace the same aspects of giving back, taking a moment to be mindful and spiritual.” Ms Ghandour, a Palestinian who grew up in the UAE, said many people have items to donate. “When people are active, there are always things at the back of the wardrobe.”

This is not the first time Ms Ghandour has embarked on a charity activity. Since school she has been an active volunteer with the likes of Medicins Sans Frontiers and cycled almost 400 kilometres across Jordan to raise money for Palestine in 2011.

She hopes to do more collaborations with community projects, although says donating to charity is not as easy here as in the US where she studied. “There you can just donate to thrift stores and find charities to work with easily but here it’s not so easy to find those credible charities.”

Fatma Hassan Essa, business development consultant at Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, welcomed Ms Ghandour’s help.

“We are glad to see how such companies are committed to help the society as much as they can and we appreciate that yApparel chose to collaborate with us to help women and children victims of domestic violence, child abuse and human trafficking with this initiative.

“We are looking forward for more cooperation with yApparel in the near future and we hope that other companies would follow the same steps and participate in developing the society.”

mswan@thenational.ae