Under the theme “It is better and greater in reward”, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has launched its annual Ramadan campaign for the year 1441 AH.
The new drive comprises a wide range of humanitarian operations in Qatar and 22 other countries, at a target value of QR60m. These operations include Ramadan Iftar projects, food baskets, Eid clothing, Zakat-ul-Fitr, and diverse relief and development projects during and after the holy month of Ramadan.
The launch was announced by Eng. Ibrahim Abdullah Al Maliki, Chief Executive Director of QRCS and General Director of the Relief and International Development Division.
“This Ramadan comes as the world is experiencing a hard time facing the coronavirus pandemic, which weighed too heavily on many countries,” Al Maliki said. “Markets are shut down, and business is halted. Millions of poor people are suffering. Now, they have no income, and their lives are on the brink of collapse. The global economy is plunging into a deep recession. It is time for civil society organisations and nonprofits, notably, QRCS, to do something to help the most vulnerable groups in Qatar and beyond”.
According to Eng. Al-Maliki, the campaign involves over 200 humanitarian projects, such as Ramadan Iftar, Eid clothing, coronavirus control, just to name a few.
The total number of beneficiaries is 1 million in 22 countries (Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Mali, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Somalia, Bangladesh, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Senegal, Albania, Iraq, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Turkey, Mauritania, Nepal, and the Philippines).
Towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, QRCS will launch far-reaching development projects. To address poverty and hunger, QRCS will help 250,000 refugees, displaced persons, patients, older persons, persons with disability, and persons deeply in debts.
Medical convoys will be deployed to treat up to 10,000 poor patients.
In Qatar, QRCS’s Humanitarian Services Fund will distribute food baskets for 6,000 needy families and 1,500 workers, respectively. “The purpose is to alleviate the impact of coronavirus outbreak on their lives,” said Muna Fadel Al Sulaiti, Executive Director of Volunteering and Local Development Division at QRCS.
Al Sulaiti revealed a Double Reward initiative, under which customers of LuLu Hypermarket can purchase food baskets, which are then to be donated for a poor person. Part of the value of the basket will go for another poor beneficiary.
To donate to QRCS’s Ramadan campaign, people can choose from several options — all the precautions are taken to ensure the safety of donors — including Online donation (www.qrcs.org.qa), SMS page (app.qrcs.org.qa/cov), Bank transfer to QRCS’s account with QIIB and via telephone. QRCS also has donation collection agents at Al Meera, LuLu, and Carrefour.
