Emirates Red Crescent Launches $3.4 Million Winter Aid Campaign to Aid 300,000 Globally

The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) has initiated a significant winter aid campaign, valued at Dh12.5 million ($3.4 million), aiming to provide essential support to over 300,000 vulnerable individuals across 17 countries. This crucial initiative, overseen by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and chairman of the ERC, is specifically designed to assist refugees, displaced populations, and communities grappling with the impacts of humanitarian crises and harsh winter weather conditions.

To commemorate the launch, the ERC hosted a volunteer event at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. During this event, board members, staff, and volunteers from organizations including Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and ADNOC worked together to assemble vital winter aid packages. This effort is part of a broader commitment, highlighted by the recent delivery of 10,000 winter aid bags to Gaza as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3.

Ahmed Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the ERC, emphasized that the campaign embodies the UAE's deeply ingrained humanitarian principles, guided by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. He also reiterated the organization's dedication to aiding those affected by crises, especially during the winter months when challenges are most acute. "The ERC has developed a phased implementation plan throughout the winter, in coordination with relevant authorities and humanitarian partners in the UAE and abroad," stated Mr. Al Mazrouei. He further noted that the campaign would prioritize vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, women, and displaced or refugee families to ensure aid reaches those most in need promptly and effectively.

The substantial turnout of volunteers at the launch event was seen as a reflection of the strong spirit of solidarity within UAE society and a testament to the importance of charitable work in bolstering humanitarian efforts. The ERC affirmed its ongoing commitment to implementing relief and humanitarian programs and to expanding its partnerships, in line with Sheikh Hamdan's directives, thereby reinforcing the UAE's prominent role in regional and international humanitarian endeavors.

In a related development, the ERC recently delivered Dh50 million worth of winter and medical aid to Palestinians in Gaza, where temperatures are plummeting. This extensive relief effort included essential supplies such as clothing, blankets, food, tents, and medicines. The UAE has been a leading contributor of aid to Gaza, with Operation Gallant Knight 3 serving as the central framework for its extensive relief operations. Since 2023, the UAE has provided over $4 billion in aid to the region, constituting 46% of the total global support directed to Gaza. This assistance has encompassed 130,708 tonnes of relief, medical, and food supplies, delivered via 796 aircraft, 25 ships, and 14,483 lorries.