DUBAI // A Pakistani community organisation has set up a sacrificial meat drop-off scheme this Eid Al Adha to help support the needy.
The Pakistan Association Dubai has installed fridges at its headquarters in Oud Metha where packages of meat can be left, which can then be picked up by poor families.
Rizwan Fancy, a representative of the association, said those wishing to donate meat should pack it in one kilogram parcels and then place it in the fridges.
“We have kept several fridges in the centre, dedicated for this task only. Those who want to distribute their share can make use of this facility,” he said.
“On the other hand, the deserving families should be able to pick up directly from the fridges, as per their requirements.”
This is the second year the initiative has been running.
“Even though we didn’t prepare much, the response was enormous [last year] and we were able to distribute about 80kg of meat to deserving families,” said Mr Fancy.
“Hence, we decided to do this in a more organised manner this year.”
On Eid Al Adha, Muslims carry out the symbolic ritual sacrifice of a livestock animal to commemorate the sacrifice of the Prophet Abraham.
This meat is divided into three parts — the first for the family, the second for relatives and friends and the third for the poor.
Mr Fancy, said the association had a database of poor families and individuals, who have been informed to come and collect the meat.
“Even though we have contacts within the Pakistani community, everyone is welcome to deposit the sacrificial meat,” he said.
“Similarly we will not discriminate among those who want to take their share. This is the real spirit of Islam and we share the happiness with everyone, regardless of nationality.”
A Pakistani mother of three said she would be making use of the meat donations.
“My husband does not earn enough to feed our three children, along with other expenses. Hence, sometimes our children do not get good food especially meat,” said the 18-year-old.
“On occasions such as Eid we get to enjoy good food.”
She said the association’s scheme was gratefully received.
“There are so many families like us who are struggling with terrible financial conditions but we are not beggars. Hence we feel embarrassed in approaching the people directly. Now we can go to the centre and collect parcels — as much as we want.”
akhaishgi@thenational.ae
