DUBAI // Up to 1,000 disadvantaged families will be assisted by the Pakistan Association Dubai, as part of its annual Ramadan campaign.
Care packages with essential supplies to last a family of five for a month will be available for collection at select LuLu supermarkets, or delivered to the needy in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman in the first week of the holy month.
The association has appealed to the community for donations to help as many people as possible. Each package costs Dh300 and contains cooking oil, rice, flour, tea, powdered milk, lentils, sugar and dates.
“Last year we sent out 850 packages to families, and this time we are aiming for at least that amount and hopefully much more,” said Faisal Ikram, general secretary of Pad.
“People are very willing to help others during Ramadan and we are hopeful of strong support from the community.”
Those interested in receiving a package have to obtain a voucher from Pad headquarters in Bur Dubai. They can then go to one of the designated LuLu supermarkets for collection.
“For some people who are unable or unwilling to collect their package, we will deliver it to them,” Mr Ikram said.
Members of the association will also visit Pakistani prisoners jailed for minor offences and pay for their release.
“This is something that many people within the community are keen to support,” he said. “We go into jails and pay off the fines that these people are in for. It means they can leave prison and go home to their families.”
The funds for this come directly from the association through its membership fees.
“We also get people approaching us asking to help and we advise them either to go directly to the prison and pay off the fines, or send the money to us and we can do it for them,” Mr Ikram said.
Association members will also visit women inmates in prison for more serious crimes.
“Although we cannot help in their release or repatriation for Eid, we send them gifts during this time of the year,” Mr Ikram said.
A health-awareness camp has also been planned for the first or second week of July, where labourers will be given medical check-ups and treatment.
The closing date for donations for the care package appeal is June 15. To donate, or for more information, call Pad on 04 337 3632.
nhanif@thenational.ae
