The Emirates Red Crescent launches a winter aid campaign to support 1.8 million people in 24 countries

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, the Authority launched its annual winter aid campaign, targeting one million, 856,324 people in 24 countries distributed over three continents, at a cost estimated at approximately 37 million, 126 thousand and 485 dirhams, with the aim of reducing the repercussions of severe cold waves in many countries.

The Authority allocated more than 27 million dirhams to help one million and 350 thousand people in the Gaza Strip in Palestine, so that the UAE will always be at the forefront of donor countries and support for humanitarian issues there.

The campaign includes the distribution of winter clothes, heating devices and materials, covers and blankets, food and health parcels, children’s supplies, and various shelter materials, in cooperation and coordination with the UAE missions and the Authority’s offices abroad to ensure the speedy arrival of aid and the effectiveness of its distribution.

Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, confirmed during a press conference held at the Authority’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi that the Authority has annually implemented the winter aid program to enhance its response to vulnerable groups and those affected by the harsh winter around the world.

He pointed out that this campaign comes as an extension of the established humanitarian giving approach in the United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him,” and the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, who has made humanitarian work a constant value in the path of our blessed country, and a basic pillar for empowering the most needy groups in various countries.

He added, “This year’s winter campaign is gaining greater importance due to the worsening global crises, the increasing severity of humanitarian disasters, and the growing basic needs of millions of those affected. Therefore, our national authority was keen to expand the scope of beneficiaries of winter aid, in response to emergency conditions, increasing conflicts, and difficult living conditions in many areas.”

The Secretary-General affirmed the Emirates Red Crescent Authority’s full commitment to achieving the objectives of the winter clothing campaign, reaching those entitled to their locations, and providing their necessary needs that will protect them from the severity of the cold and help them face the challenges of the winter season and their difficult living conditions, pointing out that a large portion of aid has been allocated to the Gaza Strip in order to enhance the humanitarian and development role of the UAE there, which has placed it at the forefront of donor countries to the Palestinian people.

At the end of his speech, Al Mazrouei thanked Operation Gallant Knight 3 for its cooperation with the Authority, and to all local and international partners for their continued support of the Red Crescent’s humanitarian programs, especially the winter campaign.

Mohammed Al Sharif, the official spokesman for Operation Gallant Knight 3, also spoke at the press conference, stressing that the Emirates Red Crescent is considered the first supporter and main partner of Operation Gallant Knight in order to deliver its humanitarian message to those who deserve it.

Al-Sharif said that this continued support embodies the UAE’s approach to extending a helping hand and consolidating the values ​​of giving, togetherness, and standing with brothers in various circumstances. He expressed the gallant Knight’s appreciation to the Authority for its active participation in the winter clothing campaign, and for its great humanitarian role in supporting the brothers in the Gaza Strip and alleviating their suffering.

Al-Sharif added that Operation Gallant Knight is one of the most prominent organized Emirati efforts, which was implemented in direct coordination with the Emirates Red Crescent, which is considered the largest supporter of this operation since its first day, harnessing its capabilities and resources to enhance humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip, where many initiatives were implemented that included: delivering various humanitarian aid to the affected areas by land, sea and air, in addition to implementing field humanitarian programs that targeted the most needy groups, including children, women and the elderly, adding that in another axis, Establishing and activating field hospitals to provide emergency health care, and supporting international relief efforts to enhance the delivery of aid quickly and efficiently. The Authority played a pivotal role in the success of the operation by providing needs, facilitating their transportation, and supervising their distribution, which made our joint efforts a role model in integrated humanitarian work.”