Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

oPt

OPT: Dubai Cares, in cooperation with DIFC, issues urgent plea for action to help Gaza children

In an expression of solidarity with the children of Gaza, Dubai Cares, in cooperation with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), has joined a united front of UAE-based relief and charitable organizations to pledge humanitarian assistance and mobilize the UAE community to help alleviate their suffering.

Dubai Cares' assistance is focused on packaging aid for the approximately 275,000 students of primary school age in Gaza who are in critical need of basic hygiene material and school kits.

Dubai Cares has issued a call for volunteers to help package 50,000 basic school kits and 50,000 hygiene kits for the children of Gaza. Members of the public are invited to join in the effort to pack and prepare the material for shipping to the children of Gaza... Approximately 150 participants are needed each day as Dubai Cares is aiming to assemble approximately 10,000 kits a day.

Abdulla Al Awar, Managing Director of the DIFC Authority said: "The plight of the people of Gaza, including innocent children, who are suffering immensely from the hostilities, is heart-rending. Mobilising aid for the people of Gaza calls for a concerted effort from the community and DIFC is committed to join social organizations and the people of the UAE in supporting this humanitarian cause. We believe that everyone, including corporations and individuals, can make key contributions to the joint effort to bring relief to the people in Gaza." Volunteers can join Dubai Cares in this effort from 14 January to 20 January, 2009 at the Emperor Hall in the Dubai International Financial Centre. The timings of the event are from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on weekdays and from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Friday and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturdays.

Israeli attacks on the Gaza strip, over the last three weeks, have killed hundreds of people and injured thousands, creating a dire humanitarian situation. Residents of Gaza are in desperate need of medical and other essential supplies.

Dubai Cares urges volunteers to bring friends and family to the volunteer event and help spread the word by informing others who may want to help. Snacks and beverages will be available at the event.

Dubai Cares is a UAE based charitable establishment launched in 2007 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai. Through the introduction of philanthropic initiatives and promotion of social entrepreneurship, Dubai Cares works to mobilize Dubai's multicultural community to contribute to sustainable growth and development around the world. One of the organisation's key aims is to improve children's access to primary education in developing countries.