Ramadan is a great time to help others, especially those less fortunate than us. Yet, many of us wonder about how we can help others in a meaningful way and would like to know more about reliable institutions that can channel our help effectively. Here are some options on how to help others and make a difference in someone else’s life in this holy month.
Donate Money & Essentials
We all have items like clothes, toys, books, electric devices, and school material that are in good condition yet are lying around unused for one reason or another. Many such discarded items can help others in need. Start by approaching your close circles to find out who you could pass them on to, or contact NGOs like Resala, Al-Orman, and Misr El Kheir Foundation which accept donations and deliver them to individuals who need them the most.
Participate in Charity Volunteer Work
Every Ramadan several charity organizations host hundreds of volunteers to help with iftar meals preparation and distribution. This can be a wonderful activity not only to support your local community, but to build friendships and gain valuable life experience. Organisations that offer volunteering opportunities include Egyptian Food Bank and Misr El Kheir.
Spend a Day in an Orphanage
Visiting an orphanage in Ramadan is a beautiful idea that will spread happiness to little hearts while giving you a sense of comfort. Orphanages across Cairo include Bent Masr, Al Orman, Rawdet El Abrar, Dar El Mostafa, and Dar El Sondos. Toys and clothes are ideal gifts to take along. Financial donations are also accepted and accompanied by official receipts.
Visit an Elderly Home
There are many homes for older persons across Cairo that welcome visitors to spend time with their tenants, having friendly chats, playing board games, and going for walks in the home’s garden. These homes include Dar Al Wafaa Wal Amal, Theka, Ahmed Radwan, and Basmet Amal.
Distribute Food Cartons
Ramadan meals take some heavy-duty cooking to prepare and need a lot of pricy ingredients. It’s a great idea to prepare cartons containing basic products like rice, cooking oil, sugar, butter, and frozen chicken. Set a budget for each bag and buy your chosen components, then reach out to your close circles to determine who should be getting them.
Visit a Children’s Hospital
The act of putting a smile on the faces of children is one of the most noble deeds to do in Ramadan, especially if they are sick and need a great level of support. You can visit a children’s hospital and spend the whole day with them, which can involve many activities like colouring, singing, playing, and having therapeutic talks. A number of Egyptian children’s hospitals welcome visitors including 57357 cancer hospital, Atfal Masr, and Abo Elreesh.
Support Palestine
The people of Palestine became a global symbol of exceptional bravery and unwavering resilience. However, the daily struggles of our next-door neighbours are severe and need immediate attention. So, it would be a wonderful Ramadan activity, to provide support for the Palestinian cause with food and clothing. Moreover, there are several organisations in Egypt which deliver these contributions including the Egyptian Food Bank, Egyptian Red Crescent, and Misr El Kheir Foundation.
Adopt from the Local Animal Shelter
Pets have always been ideal best friends who can get us through our darkest moments. Ramadan is a great time to introduce a beloved pet to our lives through adoption. There are several shelters in Egypt that host our furry friends including HOPE, ESAF (The Egyptian Society of Animal Friends), Chance Animal Rescue, Refk, CART (Cart Animal Rescue Team), ESMA (Egyptian Society of Mercy to Animals).