Ramadan is the perfect time for reflection and appreciation. Whether you can spare time or money, there are many organisations that need your help. Here are 10 ways to do your bit during the Holy Month… 

01. Sniff

An animal rescue voluntary group that seeks to round up, look after and re-home strays and abandoned animals of all kinds, be it dogs, cats, camels or donkeys. They are always on the lookout for fosterers to open up their homes – and hearts – even if for just a few days. If you can help, e-mail sniff.ae@gmail.com

For more information, visit facebook.com/SNIFF.MiddleEast

Children

02. Al Noor Training Centre

Al Noor is dedicated to the development of the special needs community in Dubai. It helps children with disabilities by integrating them into society so they get the most out of life through education and therapy. The centre welcomes volunteers from all walks of life across a range of departments, including fundraising, events and direct child interaction. Donations are also accepted.

For more information, visit alnoorspneeds.ae

03. Dubai Autism Centre

Dubai Autism Centre relies on grants, donations and fundraising to help autistic children and train their parents. The centre, which opened in 2001, not only provides a service to the community, but also encourages a better understanding of autism through education and awareness programmes. The centre is always welcoming volunteers.

For more information, visit dubaiautismcenter.ae

04. Make-A-Wish Foundation

The international organisation with a branch in Dubai grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Whether it’s a trip to Disney World, meeting a celebrity, gifts or an experience, this charity makes dreams come true, enriching lives and offering hope and joy to children and their families. It welcomes donations and volunteers.

For more information, visit makeawish.ae

05. Omniyat Dania

A charity established in 2008 by two parents who lost their daughter, Dania, to cancer. They have since set up a foundation, which seeks to invest in the research of medical treatment for childhood cancer in the UAE, so that patients don’t have to travel so far to get the treatment they need. One hundred per cent of the money you give will go to funding much-needed medical research.

For more information, visit aljalilafoundation.ae

International 

06. Gulf For Good

Whether climbing Kilimanjaro, bike riding in Cuba or trekking in Thailand, this regionally based charity offers people from across the Gulf the chance to help others while at the same time overcoming personal fear by taking part in exciting adventures. Participants raise funds, which are then donated to charities in the region where the challenge is held.

For more information, visit gulf4good.org

07. The Red Crescent Authority

The RCA has donated millions of dirhams to causes both in the UAE and abroad in the last few years and launched humanitarian drives all across the region. During Ramadan, the charity gives money and hands out iftar meals to those most in need in over 60 Arab and Muslim countries across the Middle East.

For more information, visit rcuae.ae

08. Rags To Riches

A charity started by keen Dubai-based crafter Barbara Evans who takes donated fabric and turns them into children’s clothing, which she then sends to children’s orphanages in Africa, Syria and Nepal.

For more information, visit facebook.com/ragstorichesdubai

09. The Sameness Project

A group of social innovators whose goal is to create understanding for the lives around us that can sometimes go unnoticed. After visiting Palestine, Lina Nahhas, founder of The Sameness Project, was motivated to promote the “idea that all people are worth the same amount of humanity”. Movements such as Water For Workers sees residents deliver cold water to labourers. Meanwhile, their We’ve Got Your Back initiative helps taxi drivers with back problems by organising basic yoga and mass stretching sessions. Community initiatives such as Water For Workers are scheduled on an ad-hoc basis, so keep an eye on their site for the next session. Alternatively, if you would like to help with upcoming projects by volunteering  as an intern, email Lina privately to lina@thesamenessproject.com.

For more information, visit thesamenessproject.com

10. Ramadan Fridges

The Ramadan Sharing Fridges are back this Ramadan and bigger than ever – with more than 70 fridges already open and more popping up every day. Volunteers have set them up outside their homes/office buildings, and then residents of the city are invited to fill them with food so that the area’s workers, gardeners and, well, anyone, can take snacks, free of charge. If you want to help fill up one of the fridges near you, check out this brilliant map on Google, which pinpoints all of the fridges in Dubai, and do your bit to help fill them up.

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