Dubai: Ferjan Dubai, with support from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), has launched the third edition of the Al Freej Fridge humanitarian community campaign. This initiative is in collaboration with the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia) and the UAE Food Bank. The campaign aims to distribute 2 million bottles of cold water, juices, and frozen treats to workers across Dubai, addressing the challenges of summer heat, including dehydration and heat stress, while promoting solidarity and compassion within the Dubai community.
According to Emirates News Agency, the campaign, which runs until 3rd September, targets cleaning and construction workers, delivery drivers, and road and landscaping workers across Dubai. It embodies the culture of giving intrinsic to the UAE community, promoting solidarity and mutual support, and showing deep appreciation for those who perform their duties under challenging conditions.
Suqia UAE and the UAE Food Bank are crucial in supporting the Al Freej Fridge campaign and advancing its goals. Suqia UAE provides large quantities of cold bottled water for distribution, while the UAE Food Bank offers access to its warehouses for storing water, beverages, and frozen items. The UAE Food Bank also allocates refrigerated distribution vehicles for safe and timely delivery to workers and mobilizes volunteers for on-the-ground distribution efforts.
Ibrahim Al Balooshi, Director of Sustainability and Partnerships at MBRGI, highlighted the campaign's noble humanitarian messages that reflect the UAE community's values of generosity and compassion. He noted that MBRGI's support aligns with its commitment to leveraging expertise and resources for humanitarian efforts serving all community segments.
Al Balooshi stated that the campaign reflects a deep responsibility and appreciation for the workforce, emphasizing the importance of protecting their health and safety, aligning with MBRGI's vision of prioritizing people and ensuring the success of meaningful community campaigns.
Alia Al Shamlan, Director of Ferjan Dubai, remarked on the campaign's success over the past two years, crediting the collaboration between Ferjan Dubai and its partners. She emphasized the importance of workers in the community's prosperity and well-being, and the campaign's role in demonstrating gratitude, respect, and care for their health and comfort.
As part of this year's campaign, Ferjan Dubai deploys refrigerated vehicles to various districts in Dubai, ensuring a wider reach for distributing water, juices, and frozen treats to workers. The campaign partners provide resources and logistics support, while volunteers actively participate in distribution efforts.
The third edition builds on the success of previous years, with the second edition involving over 15 government entities, private sector companies, and 250 volunteers, distributing 2 million water bottles, juices, and frozen treats. Ferjan Dubai, as a social enterprise, aims to empower local communities in Dubai's neighborhoods, fostering connections and trust with public and private institutions by encouraging volunteerism and community engagement.