Iftars that makes a difference: Ramadan acts of kindness [video]

In keeping with the spirit of Ramadan, Dubai residents and organizations are doing their bit to spread goodwill and cheer.

Emirates24|7 joined the crew of Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel and Towers and few media volunteers on Tuesday (June 21) to help prepare and distribute 150 Iftar bags to cabbies.

At 5.30 pm, the volunteers huddled in the kitchen, preparing the iftar boxes, which comprised of chicken shawarmas, dates, hummus, fresh fruit and cake.

An hour into the prep, the food packets were neatly placed into Sheraton bags, which were collected and kept at the entrance of the hotel.

Around 6pm, a steady stream of cabs drove through the main entrance, with each driver being gifted an iftar bag.

Titled the ‘Iftar for Cab’ initiative, this is in its seventh year, informed a staffer. Once the date is set, the hotel informs the RTA and Dubai taxis, who then communicate to their drivers.

“To give back to the taxi drivers and partner drivers who take care of our hotel guests on a daily basis, it’s a great opportunity to say thank you and show our appreciation to the community that supports us,” said Stephan Vanden Auweele, General Manager of the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers and Starwood Area Manager.

RAK Hospital gifts iftar meals to cabbies

On June 19, RAK Hospital distributed around 500 iftar packages to Ras al Khaimah cabbies. The ceremony, conducted at the hospital premises between 4pm to 6pm, brought smiles on drivers’ faces, who appreciated this spirit of generosity by the healthcare institution.

“In our way, we would like to encourage the Ras Al Khaimah drivers who have been instrumental in bringing comfort in our lives, yet are rarely acknowledged. Many of them are away from their families so such programmes help in creating a bond with the community and make them feel loved,” said Dr. Raza Siddiqui, CEO Arabian Healthcare Group and Executive Director of RAK Hospital.

Students share happiness with women labourers

Youth community group ‘Students for the Earth’ along with Navabavana - NbN and Al Huda Skill Development, organised an Iftar at a women’s labour camp in Ajman.

In addition to snacks and iftar meals, these workers were given basic toiletry items as a token of care and kindness.

“It’s nice to do something like this for the labourers and bring smile on their faces," said group founder George Zacharia.

Arushi Madan, president of the group, said,"Every year we organise charity Iftars and 'Eidi for the needy' and collect and donate gifts to express our gratitude to those work tirelessly, and are less fortunate than us."

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