DUBAI // A community group is asking for cash donations for its annual Ramadan food packages.
Pakistan Association Dubai (Pad) is asking people to donate at least Dh200 each for food parcels containing enough to last a needy family of up to eight people for a month.
“We had a lot of great feedback when we did it for the first time last year and this time we are aiming to help even more people,” said Rizwan Fancy, chairman of Pad’s committee.
Last year, 450 packages were delivered to disadvantaged Pakistani families across the UAE. This year, Pad is aiming for 600.
The campaign was launched as a way of encouraging people to think twice before wasting food during the holy month.
“I’ve been in the UAE for 25 years and in that time I’ve seen how easily people organise iftars, but then most of the food is being wasted.
“On the other hand, I have also seen how some families struggle to have enough for even one meal.”
The association is urging the public to donate before July 7 so the packages can be delivered in the first week of Ramadan.
“We would prefer people to donate cash because that way we can make sure that each of the packages has the right amount of things inside it,” Mr Fancy said.
“Otherwise it would be difficult to get a consistent variety of things.”
Items among those to be included in the packages are milk, cooking oil, flour, tea, lentils and sugar.
Mr Fancy said Pad was in talks with supermarkets to receive discounts for buying in bulk. The association is also looking at vouchers that families can use at supermarkets to receive the packages directly.
“Although we do deliver many of the packages, we also get people from other emirates travelling to Dubai to collect them,” Mr Fancy said.
“It would be easier for them to be given a voucher and they can then pick up a package at their local hypermarket. It’s something we are looking into but it hasn’t been agreed to with supermarkets yet.”
Ajmal Malik, a Pakistani businessman, welcomed the campaign.
“Ramadan is normally when we should think about people less fortunate and how to help them,” Mr Malik said. “I donated last year and will do so again this time.
“Many people spend more than Dh200 on one meal if they are with their families at a restaurant, so it is a reasonable amount to donate to a less fortunate family that will help them for a whole month.”
Ramadan is expected to begin this year on July 10.
To donate, contact Pad on 04 337 3632.