DUBAI // Fridges filled with free ice-cold water, juice and snacks for workers will be brought out in Dubai for Ramadan.
The Ramadan Sharing Fridges initiative, which gained international recognition last year, allows residents to stock fridges and coolers in industrial areas and residential neighbourhoods with food and drinks for labourers.
Organisers of the initiative, which is backed by the Emirates Red Crescent, aim to help more workers this year.
“Last year we did not know what were in for,” said Sumayyah Sayed, a committee member for the programme. “The initiative just kept growing, but this time we know what to expect and will be more organised.”
The committee has recruited people to serve the areas that were not included last year. It now has a person responsible for each zone.
Volunteers will be on hand to organise regular and fair distribution of food and drink.
“We have a couple of sponsors who give big donations in one drop, so we need to make sure it goes equally wherever necessary and have a dedicated team for that,” said Anne Mulcahy, an organiser. “Our main aim is to keep the fridges full throughout the month.”
Its Facebook group has more than 24,000 members, and gets membership requests every day.
To make it easier for residents to contribute, the initiative’s smartphone app, Community Fridge, shows what fridges need to be restocked.
“Last year, the most common question on the Facebook page was what fridges need filling and people were looking for locations near them,” said volunteer Janine Bensouda. “The purpose of the app is to make it easier for people to communicate about distribution.”
The initiative is wholly managed by volunteers. Their contribution is worth more than money, said Ms Sayed.
“The satisfaction that we get out of serving these people who work in the heat all day,” she said. “They come to the fridge and walk away with a cold drink and you know it has made them happy. That is probably the highlight of their day and that is enough for us to keep going.
“The initiative also builds on the sense of community because every time someone makes a drop to a fridge, we end up chatting with them.”
Shaman Ali, a Pakistani gardener in The Springs community, is looking forward to the return of the fridges.
“I just found out that the fridges have been set up and I will come every day to refresh myself on the hot days,” he said.
“It is really nice of the people here to look out for us and welcome us to take food and drinks from their fridge.
“I like that there are people thinking about us.”
Information on the fridges and what food and drinks are needed can be found on the initiative’s Facebook page and on its app.
mmannan@thenational.ae
