After a successful campaign last Ramadan, Dubai's Sharing Fridges initiative is back for another run.
The idea is quite simple: for the duration of the holy month, volunteers set up fridges across Dubai where people from the community can drop off donations of food for those who are less fortunate.
Speaking to Stepfeed, Anne Mulcahy, the communication and media manager of the non-profit initiative explains that the idea began in 2016 when Summayyah Sayed, a Dubai resident, placed a fridge outside of her home and launched a Facebook group urging people to either donate food or set up fridges in other locations.
Soon after its launch, the Facebook group gained substantial attention, garnering more than 23,500 followers within a few weeks.
"We went from having a few fridges set up to over 150 in a very short period of time," Mulcahy adds.
Speaking of the inspiration behind the initiative she says, "sharing food and drinks during the holy month is not a new concept in Dubai and the idea behind the initiative was actually inspired by individuals in the community who have done this for years."
Mulcahy also tells us that this year, the initiative will be running under the umbrella of the Red Crescent, and in association with the NGO Open Arms UAE.
Here's how you can help
If you live in Dubai, all you've got to do is to check the initiative's map, locate a fridge near you and drop your donations there.
"We are not accepting any hot and/or pre-prepared food in our fridges this year, but items that can be donated include, water, juices, fruits, as well as packed foods," Mulcahy says, adding that both the initiative's Facebook and Instagram pages will be offering updates and tips to those who would like to contribute.
Mulcahy encourages people in Dubai to support the initiative by donating what they can and also by sharing a moment with those they meet at every fridge.
"Nothing beats a welcoming hello for our community workers," she says, adding that people across the UAE and other Arab countries can also support the initiative by following its pages on social media and sharing it via the hashtag #sharingfridges.