ABU DHABI // About 370,000 poor people from around the world are expected to receive sacrificial meat donations as part of the Eid Al Adha campaign of Emirates Red Crescent (ERC).
The charity on Monday said it hoped to raise Dh12 million for the campaign this year; with Dh7m for the UAE and Dh5m for overseas use.
“This year we had to increase the number of beneficiaries, considering the clashes and crises that occurred and led many families to leave their homes,” said Rashed Al Mansoori, ERC’s deputy secretary general.
“Presenting aid became a must and our goal is to benefit a large number of people.”
The number of beneficiaries has risen about 20 per cent from last year.
Food donations would also be distributed in Yemen, Iraq and to Syrian refugees in Jordan.
ERC workers will be collecting money from donors at malls and at its 300 branches and offices in the UAE and 60 countries.
The charity started receiving donations for its Dh12m target on Monday, and Mr Al Mansoori said he was confident of achieving it. “We have every year, and we will this year. People are very proactive with the ERC’s campaigns.”
Hind Al Mehairbi, ERC’s director of marketing and public relations, said its reputation enabled it to achieve the fundraising target every year.
“It is the people who approach the agents wherever they are because they have to fulfil the obligation of providing a sacrifice,” she said.
“And the Red Crescent not only takes care of slaughtering but also distribution.”
The ERC expects 70,000 people in the UAE and 298,000 around the world to benefit from its donations.
A donation of Dh500 will pay for one sacrificial animal in the UAE, while Dh350 will cover the costs outside the country.
hdajani@thenational.ae
