Sunday, August 1, 2010

We’ve all had weeks where we’ve had to watch the dirhams and resist life’s little luxuries.

But how many of us can say we’ve felt the need to forgo deodorant or soap because we wanted to send money to our families back home?

With many labourers coming from poor countries, it’s common for them to send most of their monthly wage home to relatives.

So that’s why the organisation YOU Dubai, has set up a scheme where individuals can help these workers enjoy the things in life that most of us take for granted.

The group has just launched a collection drive where members of the public can donate anything from a simple comb or a pair of slippers to a watch or small radio.

The goods will then be donated to the charity Helping Hands who will distribute them in labour camps across the city.

YOU volunteer Devika Singh says the idea is that anyone, regardless of how much they earn, can do their bit for charity.

“Doing something like this takes the hard work out of doing something for others. “We decided to do this because we thought it was something
everybody could do easily as it helps anybody who wants to help know exactly what to do,” she says. “A lot of people have said they just pick things up at the supermarket, without going out of their way.” And the drive is getting children thinking about others less fortunate as well.

Devika adds: “Parents are telling their kids about why they’re buying extra things at the supermarket and although the children don’t get to see the distribution, they feel the sense of gratitude. For example, we don’t even think about things like towels, but labourers need them. “One child said to his mum ‘our beach towel is so big, we don’t need it so big, we should cut it into two and two people could use it’.”

Elle Trow from Helping Hands says labourers often substitute buying toiletries so they can send money home but then feel self-conscious about their personal hygiene. “I don’t know how much a deodorant might cost but, for example, if it’s dhs20 - if you’re hungry, what would you rather spend the money on?” she explains.

“These men want to smell fresh and clean like everybody does, they’re members of the human race and that’s the way we all like to smell. Toiletries may not seem like such a big deal but they will be really well received. “This drive encourages giving back to those building our city and helping them know they are not forgotten by people “

There are two areas where members of the public can drop off their items. For the Meadows area phone 050 650 5526, for Bur Dubai call 04 358 0808 or visit www.you-dubai.com for details

What can you buy
Towels
T-shirts, socks, vests and briefs (size medium or large)
Slippers (sizes 40-42)
Soap, deodorant and
shampoo (all anti bacterial)
Aftershave lotion (must be alcohol free)
Razor blades
Shaving soap/ foam
Combs/ brushes
Small face mirrors
Tiger balm
Rehydration sachets
Wallets
Back packs
Waist bands (money belts)
Baseball caps
Sunglasses
Watches
Small radios with batteries


Other ways to help charity
The YOU drive is all about collecting new items for labourers.

But, if you have second hand items you want to give to a good home, there are places which will take them:

IT and electrical equipment
The Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre in Barsha takes computers, flat screens, printers, scanners and other IT equipment in good working order. The centre also needs filing cabinets. Contact them on 04 340 0005.

Furniture
If you’re downsizing or fancy a new sofa, Red Crescent will take old furniture. The charity takes a range of second hand goods from music equipment to toys. They also accept food to donate to needy families as well as medicine which is no longer needed. Contact them on 02 641 2271 or email fund@uaerc.org.ae. They also collect items.

Cloth
Dubai Centre for Special Needs will take old cloth or clothing to sell on to raise money for its work in training and educating young people.
Contact them on 04 344 0966.

Spectacles
Capital Opticians in Jumeirah takes donations of old glasses.

Doctor Janmohammad from Capital conducts eye camps in Syria where she provides glasses for those who can’t afford them. Even if you think your scratched old pair is beyond saving she may be able to use the frame. Anyone taking in a pair of glasses will receive a free eye test and the store has a sale of designer sunglasses on tomorrow and Saturday with profits raised funding the next eye camp. Contact them on 04 399 5222.

Exercise equipment
The Special Needs Families Support Centre in Jumeirah needs a new exercise bike. If you are getting rid of your old one of if you have any working exercise equipment to pass on, contact them on 04 334 7975.

The centre also needs a trampoline and a wheelchair.