Donuts, music and dancing were the order of the evening at a special camp at the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS); a charity set up to help children with special needs. The Al Amal camp successfully played host to a total of 88 kids from across the region and Europe; including eight from Iraq and nine from Norway.
The emphasis at this unique retreat seemed to be on having fun. During the day, the children went on excursions and visits to local sites of interest. In the evenings, they danced and partied with the Centre’s staff and the volunteers who give up their time to assist in the smooth running of the camp. This year, 134 helpers generously donated their services to make sure the children had a good time.
After each day’s activities at the camp were concluded, a special marquee that had been erected in the grounds of the Centre shook with thump from a sound system; as traditional singers and performers entertained the children and their helpers with music and dancing.
An additional treat was supplied in the form of a special pack of donuts with a football for each child; distributed by Dunkin’ Donuts; a company that has forged a strong relationship with SCHS. “It was great to see the kids having fun and enjoying themselves”, said Dunkin’ Donuts General Manager, David Rodgers. “We have been working with this charity for over two years now and were very pleased to add to the evening’s celebrations with our gift packs.”
The Al Amal camp has run almost every year since 1986 and is a highlight of the Centre’s calendar. The multi-national groups of children attending need little encouragement to interact and they quickly form natural bonds with each other; ties that last long after they have returned to their home countries.
The camp has missed only 5 years out of the last 21. On 3 occasions, the dates clashed with Ramadan timings and in 2004, the camp was deferred because of the city’s silver jubilee celebrations. In 1991, hostilities in the Gulf saw the camp postponed until the following year, when it opened again with the theme; “Love and Peace in the Gulf”.
This year is the 17th Al Amal organized by the SCHS and their theme for 2007 is; 'Pride in the Disabled Brother.' Mr. Jihad Taher from the SCHS had this to say about the objective of the yearly camps; "Social skills development, self reliance, and putting a smile and confidence on the soul of our handicapped children is the main reason we organize this camp" Among this year’s activities were trips to museums, visits to malls, challenge races and a cruise.
SCHS is a charitable organization founded in 1979 and provides education, care, training and rehabilitation to children and adults with special needs, regardless of their level of disability. The charity provides services for more than 2000 people from birth to 25 years of age of all nationalities. Dunkin’ Donuts have been associated with the institute for over two years and in November gave the Centre a cheque for AED 25,000, following a special promotion through its outlets during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Dunkin’’ Donuts aims to increase its involvement with SCHS through the coming year. “We have been very impressed with the work of SCHS”, said David Rodgers. “Dunkin’ Donuts is a part of the fabric of the community here in the UAE and we are only too pleased to offer our assistance whenever we can to a charity that does so much for youngsters and adults across the region”, he concluded.
With more than 6,500 outlets in 29 countries worldwide, Dunkin’’ Donuts currently, serves more than 2.7 million customers a day. Besides the GCC region, the company’s most significant presence overseas includes the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Germany, Spain, Greece, and Turkey
