This is a time of the year when we get together with family and friends and exchange gifts to show how much we care. Every year, FACT puts together a gifting guide. However, this year, nobody can be unaware of the troubled circumstances in the region and many will be having low-key celebrations, if any at all. So, we thought it would be the perfect time to look at ways of giving back. We’ve uncovered a range of organisations that work toward the bigger, social good; it’s a time to show ‘our extended family’ that we care. This festive season, pay it forward by giving back with these charities and campaigns.

QATAR CHARITY

Formerly Qatar Charitable Society, Qatar Charity is an NGO (non-governmental organisation) set up in 1992 by a group of Qatari philanthropists, alarmed by the rising number of children orphaned by wars and conflicts in neighbouring countries.
It’s grown to become one of the largest humanitarian and development organisations in the world, providing life-saving assistance to those hit by conflicts, persecution and natural disasters and creating durable solutions for poverty using sustainable development programmes in social welfare, water and sanitation, education, nutrition and economic empowerment.
Its reach is substantial, from building new schools in Bangladesh to providing winter supplies to internally displaced people in Syria, and it currently has numerous options for donating from as little as QR50 towards emergency relief for Palestinians. You can also donate as a gift or maybe, particularly for those who have children of their own, sponsor a child.
If you’re having a New Year clear out, Qatar Charity also accepts donations of shoes, clothes, toys and appliances either through its TAYF containers, which are all over the country, or its many roadside kiosks.
Find out more at qcharity.org

QATAR RED CRESCENT

The first voluntary and charitable organisation in the country, Qatar Red Crescent was established in 1978 gaining recognition from the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva in 1981 and joining the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
It participates in numerous activities both at home – such as help with rent for families in distress – and overseas – including offering vocational support for displaced people in Yemen and operating a health centre for people with disabilities in Somalia. There is an ongoing campaign which has raised more than QR39 million for Palestinian relief. There are also opportunities and training for volunteers on numerous ongoing and emergency projects.
Find out more at qrcs.org.qa

EDUCATION ABOVE ALL

Education Above All (EAA) works to ensure equal access to education and to harness the power of quality education for positive, sustainable and inclusive change. EAA is the brainchild of founder Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the former First Lady of the State of Qatar, and a long-time advocate for education. It works both at home, providing education for the children of low-income families, and overseas, through sponsorship and the provision of teachers in areas such as Sudan. At the end of November EAA hosted the Children Above All event to raise awareness of the plight of children in Gaza during the ongoing conflict. It included sports and competitions for all the family and a march for peace.
With the slogan ‘It All Starts With You’, EAA has a youth advocacy programme for young people, aged 15 to 30, to learn how to advocate for the educational rights of all people. Volunteers receive training in advocacy skills as well as the opportunity to take part in forums and networks representing the voice of children and young people.
Find out more at educationaboveall.org or donate at donate. educationaboveall.org

UNICEF GULF

UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, which is now United Nations Children’s Fund) offers humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. Following decades of work in the Gulf region, they set up a liaison office in Riyadh, which was upgraded to a Gulf Area office in 1987. UNICEF Gulf is responsible for the international body’s activities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi and the UAE. Currently,they’re inviting donations for international causes, including helping the children in war-ridden Gaza. Other campaigns you could sponsor are education for children in Yemen, aid to young victims of the violence in Sudan and more.
Find out more at www.unicef.org/gulf/ or @unicefgulf

CHARITY WEEK

This is an international non-profit that began life as a vision in the year 2000 – a vision that the problems of the world could not be solved by money, but through unity. A vision that stated that we were stronger together rather than apart and that our situation would not change unless we change ourselves. After years of preparation, the first trial run took place using a shoebox and a handwritten poster in St George’s Medical School, South London, England.
The initiative has been working in Qatar for 20 years with the vision to become a vehicle to inspire young people to become active, socially engaged and united in shared Islamic and humanitarian values. It recently concluded this year’s week with events across schools, universities and other venues including bake sales, an escape room tournament, workshops and more. A planned inter-university auction had to be postponed but will be going ahead in the future so keep your eyes open for news of how you can bid on some great items.
Find out more at charityweek.com and @charityweekqa

QAWS

Humans aren’t the only ones who need help and Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of animals in Qatar. Its shelter is home to more than 200 animals from dogs and cats to rabbits, birds and more. Aside from rescuing animals in trouble, the group also carries out educational visits to schools and businesses and organises fundraising events. As with many animal rescue and welfare organisations worldwide, it supports the ‘Adopt Don’t Shop’ slogan – aimed at encouraging people to adopt rather than buy their next furry family member – and always has animals looking for a new home. So, if you’re thinking of adding a pet to your household in the New Year, this is the place for you. If you can’t adopt, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities from dog walking to socialising and more.
Find out more at qaws.org or @qataranimalwelfaresociety

PAWS RESCUE QATAR

PAWS is a non-profit animal shelter dedicated to providing a safe haven for homeless animals until they can be placed in responsible, loving homes. They rely on fundraisers, volunteers, flight angels to transport animals to homes overseas, foster homes and public donations to provide a safe home for all the animals at the shelter, and all the others soon to come. They always need volunteers and donations of food, bedding and towels.
Find out more at pawsrescueqatar.org

LIBRARY IN THE LOO

Another one for those who are having a seasonal clear out, Qatar Vet Center accepts donations of second-hand novels which are used to make up its Library in the Loo. Visitors can make a small donation in exchange for a book and proceeds go to help rescued animals in Qatar.

AMERICAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

The AWA in Qatar was founded in 1979. It consists of a group of women who meet regularly to share experiences, make new acquaintances, provide a resource for those new to Qatar and learn more about the culture of the host country, Qatar. Throughout the year, AWA hosts a number of activities to accomplish these goals.
But, as well as being a social organisation, it also has a strong volunteering ethos believing this is part of members’ responsibilities in being part of the community. For example, there is an enduring partnership with Hamad Hospital’s cancer research centre, the association also provides medical dolls and supports child services at Sidra Medicine and volunteers offer classroom support at Hope Qatar. Members also collect travelsized toiletries and educational toys and books.
Find out more at awaqatar.com

INDIAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

The IWA Qatar is a leading social, cultural and charitable organisation under the aegis of the Indian Cultural Center of the Embassy of India. The idea of IWA was conceived to provide a common platform to the expatriate Indian women residing in Qatar. It organises fundraisers, events and charity donations and is always open to new members.
Find out more at iwaqatar.com

FEED A FRIEND

When times are hard, it can be difficult even to cover that most basic human need of feeding yourself and your family. Feed A Friend aims to help. A non-profit, grass roots organisation it provides a monthly supply of food to people in need in the local community. There are fundraising initiatives and events throughout the year and volunteers are always needed both for administration and deliveries. Monthly food drives are held and you can pledge to supply food items such as rice, tinned goods and tea bags.
Find out more at feedafriend.org

DEAP QATAR

If you want to do your bit for the environment, DEAP Qatar is dedicated to ‘education, sustainability and conservation. Leading the fight against plastic pollution, raising environmental awareness in Qatar’. As you’d expect, they organise beach cleans and awareness activities such as school visits. It’s a great way to get involved, whether as a one-off or more long term.
Find out more @deapqatar