A time to give

Many of us have more time on our hands during the summer months as loved ones leave and we work shorter hours during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Why not put this time to good use and embrace the spirit of Ramadan by giving back to the community?

Médecins Sans Frontières

 

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a medical humanitarian aid organisation that provides free medical care to people in distress in over 70 countries worldwide. They work in areas affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, epidemics or
a lack of healthcare.

MSF appeals for help with a number of summer initiatives, including their exhibition to raise awareness about malnutrition, which will be held at Mushrif Mall from 25th July to 3rd August.

“We are looking for volunteers who are reliable, friendly and dynamic for our exhibition at Mushrif Mall, to greet visitors and share information about malnutrition,” says Jessica Castelyn from MSF.

The organisation is also recruiting volunteers for data entry. No prior experience is necessary, the candidates just need to have “a good eye for detail”, reasonable typing skills and be available to work from 28th July to 4th August.

There will be other opportunities to work on MSF events throughout the summer when the need arises. Also if you have any unwanted secondhand books, donate them to MSF.

For more information visit: www.msf-me.org, call Jessica Castelyn on: 02 631 7645 or email: [email protected]

Volunteer In UAE

 

The volunteer website www.volunteerinuae.com was founded by Lola Lopez in 2008. “Volunteer In UAE is essentially a bridge between any individual, charity or organisation in need of volunteer support and residents of the community who can provide the support,” said Lopez.

“Often charities and non-profits organisations rely on volunteers as manpower, but do not have the necessary resources to recruit, engage and manage volunteers so this is where we come in. Also it’s not always easy for volunteers to find opportunities so we are here to make giving back as easy as possible.”

“We will work with absolutely any charity that needs our support. We do however have regular projects, such as Blood Donor UAE and Going Global, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity giving volunteers the opportunity to travel to various parts of the world and help rebuild communities.”

To register or for more information visit: www.volunteerinuae.com/register

 

Abu Dhabi Cause Connect

 

Abu Dhabi Cause Connect (ADCC) aims to connect the local community with charitable causes in the capital. ADCC needs your help with two of their Ramadan campaigns – ‘Iftar for Labourers’ and ‘Milk for Choice to Change’.

“Volunteers are asked to donate enough water, juice or soft drinks for 330 labourers or bake cupcakes or cakes that can be shared by the large group,” said Suparna Mathur from ADCC. “We are also asking volunteers to purchase donations of powdered milk packets which can be sent to the slums of Bangladesh to support the children attending The Choice to Change schools.”

Drop off your milk packets at the collection points in APi CAE restaurant, Glamour Hair Salon or Honey Child Salon and Spa.

ADCC also needs corporate sponsors for the iftars.

“It would be wonderful if community members could approach their workplaces during Ramadan to support a good cause,” Mathur added.

For more information email: [email protected] or visit: www.facebook.com/AbuDhabiCauseConnect

Sandy Paws

Pet rescuer Jackie Covill, founder of Sandy Paws, has been caring for the capital’s stray cats and dogs since she arrived in 2008.

Covill looks after cats that have been neglected or dumped by their owners and needs your help for this Ramadan’s rescue efforts.

“We save many cats and kittens from the streets at this time of year in particular and take on cats from people leaving the UAE and not taking their pets with them,” said Covill.

“It’s kitten season now, so many street cats are giving birth and we need safe havens for them. Because so many people are away this time of year, we are short of foster families.”

The cat-lover needs your help to provide homes for the strays. “I am looking for anyone who can offer an animal a loving home, where it is safe
and well fed.

“We ask for a spare bathroom or bedroom to keep the cat, if it cannot
be kept in the main house due to other pets – in order to get the cat off the street, to recover from surgery, or for mother cats to wean their babies in a
safe environment.”

If you are interested in fostering a cat or kitten email: [email protected]

Operation Smile UAE

 

Operation Smile UAE (OSUAE) fundraises to provide free surgery to repair cleft lip, palate and other facial deformities around the world. They require volunteers to help in a number of ways.

“We need graphic designers to design posters, leaflets and banners; translators to assist with multilingual awareness; phone operators to call our contributors; data inputters to update our records and to send out thank you letters and emails; and volunteers to collect material and prepare our Smile bags,” said Kyla Cromey-Hawke OSUAE volunteer coordinator.

The charity has just launched a textile recycling campaign and urge the community to get involved by donating clothes, shoes, bags and linen or by hosting a recycling bin. Drop off your goods at a textile bin that are located at number of locations throughout Abu Dhabi including Brighton College, Mazyad Mall, Mushrif Mall and Abu Dhabi City Golf Club.

To sign up email: [email protected] and include your full name, mobile number, age, and the days and hours you are available, indicating your area of interest.

For more information call: 02 658 4790 or to donate visit: www.facebook.com/operationsmileuae

 

Emirates Wildlife Society - Worldwide Fund for Nature (EWS-WWF)

 

Emirates Wildlife Society in association with Worldwide Fund For Nature (EWS-WWF) is a non-profit non-government organisation that initiates and implements conservation and education projects in the UAE.

The EWS-WWF works with individuals and institutions to conserve biodiversity, tackle climate change and reduce the ecological footprint through education, awareness, policy and science-based conservation initiatives.

The eco-friendly organisation needs volunteers to help with ongoing projects and urges the public to get in touch outlining their specific skills and interest areas.

“Volunteering opportunities could range from research, field work, and event coordination through to outreach, marketing and communications,” said Avan Al Dabbagh from EWS-WWF.

“We are thrilled to receive support in any way possible. We offer many volunteering chances throughout the year, although this is no guarantee of placement.”

For more information email Lily Rahnema on: [email protected] or visit: www.ewswwf.ae

You could also adopt your own turtle this Ramadan. To sign up visit: www.gulfturtles.com/adopt-turtle. You will receive an adoption pack that contributes to EWS-WWF’s marine conservation. The pack includes a certificate of adoption, a sticker, a cuddly toy turtle and some fun turtle facts.

 

Catriona Doherty