Sharjah's Big Heart calls for helping 20,000 orphan children in Gaza
Last updated: March 19, 2025 | 22:20
Palestinian girls carry empty jerrycans and their few belongings in backpacks as they join people leaving the eastern sector of the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. AFP
Palestinian girls carry empty jerrycans and their few belongings in backpacks as they join people leaving the eastern sector of the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. AFP
Palestinian children walk past rubble as people make their way to flee their homes, after the Israel army issued evacuation orders for a number of neighborhoods, following heavy Israeli strikes, in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip March 18, 2025. REUTERS/Abd Elhkeem Khaled
Palestinian children walk past rubble as people make their way to flee their homes, after the Israel army issued evacuation orders for a number of neighborhoods, following heavy Israeli strikes, in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip March 18, 2025. REUTERS/Abd Elhkeem Khaled
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The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) has launched a renewed call to action, urging individuals and institutions to unite efforts for the ‘For Gaza’ campaign.
In partnership with the Palestinian Taawon Welfare Association, the initiative provides long-term support for over 20,000 orphaned children in Gaza, ensuring access to education, healthcare, psychological aid, and essential needs.
This message was reinforced at a charity Suhoor held on Monday evening at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park, bringing together philanthropists, business leaders, and humanitarian organisations to mobilise resources and advocate for sustained support.
A panel discussion under way.
The event featured panel discussions and keynote speeches highlighting the power of collaborative action in addressing the crisis. An art exhibition by University of Sharjah students further strengthened the campaign, raising Dhs90,000 to support Gaza’s orphaned children.
Goodness never stops, and solidarity remains unbreakable
The Suhoor began with a speech by Alya Obaid Al Musaiebi, Director of TBHF, who highlighted that the "Salam Ya Seghar" campaign, launched 17 years ago, was the first initiative introduced by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of TBHF.
This campaign laid the foundation for a lasting humanitarian commitment to Palestinian children: "Today, this commitment remains strong, reflected in real, tangible actions that restore hope to every child who has lost their family and dreams amidst the devastation of war and suffering."
An art exhibition by University of Sharjah students raised Dhs90,000 for Gaza's children.
Al Musaiebi added: "What distinguishes TBHF is its policy of not deducting administrative fees from donations or Zakat funds. We believe that every dirham contributed by generous donors should reach those in need in its entirety... We firmly believe that every contribution, no matter how modest, carries within it the promise of a new beginning for a child awaiting a glimmer of hope. More importantly, it sends a powerful message to the world that, as individuals and institutions, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most."
Effective Development and Humanitarian Programmes:
On his part, Dr Tareq Emtairah, Director General of Taawon Welfare Association, highlighted the organisation’s vital role in implementing these initiatives in Gaza and ensuring that donations reach beneficiaries efficiently and transparently. He stressed that the partnership with TBHF serves as a leading model for unifying humanitarian efforts to create a sustainable and meaningful impact in supporting orphans in Gaza.
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He said: "Drawing on our extensive experience in implementing effective development and humanitarian programmes, we at Taawon have developed the ‘Noor’ programme, a comprehensive initiative to support orphans in Gaza, which builds on our past experiences with the ‘Wajd’ and ‘Mustaqbali’ initiatives in 2009 and 2014."
Strong collaboration to support humanitarian efforts:
The event welcomed Hind Al Huwaidi, Chief Development Officer at BEEAH Group, who highlighted the strategic role of the private sector in supporting humanitarian efforts and ensuring the sustainability of development initiatives. She emphasised that collaboration between charitable organisations and businesses serves as an effective model for unifying efforts and expanding impact, ultimately contributing to sustainable community development and a stronger response to the most pressing humanitarian needs.
Panel discussion highlights the campaign and donation options
As part of the charity Suhoor, TBHF organised a panel discussion titled ‘For Gaza: Towards a Sustainable Future.’ The session featured Mariam Al Sarkal, Head of Partnerships at TBHF, and the Director-General of Taawon, moderated by Tarek Sakik, content creator and founder of the Takhayaal podcast.
The discussion explored the role of the For Gaza campaign in supporting orphans in Gaza and the mechanisms for efficiently and transparently distributing donations. It also reaffirmed the campaign’s long-term commitment to orphan care while emphasising the importance of partnering with Taawon to implement support programmes effectively.
Donation channels and options
The For Gaza campaign offers various donation options, allowing individuals and companies to support orphans in Gaza. One month of sponsorship is available for Dhs625, one year sponsorship for Dhs7,500, a five-year sponsorship for Dhs37,500, and a ten-year sponsorship for Dhs75,000. Additionally, the campaign includes the Eid Clothing Initiative, enabling donors to bring joy to orphaned children by contributing Dhs200.
To facilitate participation, the campaign provides several donation channels, including bank transfers via Sharjah Islamic Bank (Account: 0011-430430-002), cheque payments to The Big Heart Foundation headquarters, cash donations at TBHF offices, online contributions via https://tbhf.ae/ramadan-2025, or SMS donations or via +971505350152.
