Not every one of us can afford the simple basics in life. Enter Saher Shaikh.
Saher is the founder of Adopt-a-Camp and Care Packages for Labourers. This brave and compassionate woman was inspired to form the movement after a chance meeting with a labourer seven years ago at her local Spinneys supermarket. The encounter changed her life forever.
Adopt-a-Camp currently assists over 32,200 labourers in 43 labour camps across UAE. The next Care Packages event, for a camp of 5,000 men, happens during Ramadan on August 9th at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Saher feels privileged to lead one of the largest community events in Dubai. “It’s beautiful to see thousands of people from all walks of life, nationalities and backgrounds coming together for the selfless purpose of helping others.”
It is refreshing to find good people in this fast-paced world. We all need to be a little more sensitive, or at least be aware and curious, of our surroundings and take notice of what amazing blessings in disguise are around each corner. Be it a man in worker’s overalls carrying a small loaf of bread and a bottle of laban, a little boy carrying a basketful of his favorite goodies or a curious mother waiting in line at a grocery store. Such flitting moments of realization come and go, and it is up to us to take notice and be brave enough to take the first step to changing lives.
Saher says that creating or supporting such causes can start in your own backyard. “Take an interest in the lives of your maid, gardener, security guard, cleaners and so on. Treat people with respect. Charity doesn’t need to be about grand gestures. It is as simple as people being kind to each other.”
Saher’s mother taught her that true charity involves making sacrifices. “She left it to me to discover for myself that the rewards that come with the sacrifices are far more precious.”
“It’s a unique opportunity to be part of something bigger than our own lives. To make a substantial difference in the lives of those who don’t have the same blessings we do.”
Why should one get involved in Adopt-a-Camp?
1. You get to meet the most wonderful people in the UAE at the event.
2. It’s the only care packages drive (as distinct from box campaigns) where you get to be a part of the entire process, from sourcing supplies to packing them to distributing them into the hands of the labourers.
3. You see the end result of your generosity and kindness – the smiles on the mens’ faces when they get their care packages are priceless.
Follow Adopt-a-Camp’s journey. Like their Facebook page at AdoptaCamp, visit their website www.adoptacamp.ae or follow them on Twitter @AdoptaCamp.
