The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) enlisted Brownies from Sharjah Girl Guides (SGG) to help raise awareness about issues related to refugee children and the needy in the world. The event saw a series of visits to organizations and government departments in Sharjah in order to raise awareness and to promote the organization’s transformation from a regional campaign to an international humanitarian foundation.During the visits, Brownies distributed leaflets and badges carrying the TBHF vision, objectives, and principles to staff and workers. They also gave away cookies bearing the foundation’s logo donated by Galeries Lafayette, The Dubai Mall, which proved to be popular with employees and Brownies alike.
Those who benefited from a visit from the Brownies include the offices of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sharjah; Sharjah Municipality; the Supreme Council for Family Affairs; the Executive Office of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi; and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.The visits took place over three days and were well received by staff who welcomed the Brownies and expressed appreciation of TBHF efforts, which is under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children. The employees also presented generous donations to the TBHF received by the Brownies during the visits.
Mariam al Hammadi, Director of Salam Ya Seghar, an initiative by TBHF, said that the campaign underlined the importance of positive cooperation between TBHF and government departments and institutions, especially after the changes recently made at the foundation, which increased its geographical presence, thus the number of beneficiaries, which calls for concerted efforts and extensive joint work with all parties.“Under the guidance and leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi TBHF seeks to raise awareness about the plight of refugees around the world and to mobilize international support to provide a decent standard of living for them. During these visits, we were able to shed light on the real conditions in which the needy and refugee children, Palestinian children in Gaza and West Bank and children suffering from cancer live. We were also able to highlight” she said.“In a short period of time TBHF has managed to execute large-scale projects and contributed to improving the situation of thousands of children for the better. It also helped introduce the community to TBHF and its mission,” Al Hammadi added. Al Hammadi said that the participation of the Brownies significantly encouraged children and youth to interact and empathize with children in need, whose countries are suffering from war and disasters or they are suffering from unfortunate circumstances. She said they the Girl Guides reflected the humanitarian values consistent with the fundamental principles and objectives of TBHF seeks, as the Brownies reflect the image of children in need of help.
Last May, The Big Heart Campaign was transformed into an independent international humanitarian foundation headed by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi. The foundation currently consists of three departments: Salam Ya Seghar - For the Children of Palestine; Salam Ya Seghar - For Refugee Children; and Salam Ya Seghar - For Childhood Cancer. There is a possibility to launch new departments or humanitarian initiatives in the future, based on emerging developments and in accordance with the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi.Over the past two years, The Big Heart helped meet the needs of hundreds of thousands of refugees through the provision of emergency health care, basic relief materials, clothing, blankets, shelter and food. It also worked to ensure tens of thousands of refugee children were enrolled at schools so they could complete their education after their studies were disrupted as a result of the crisis or political unrest. Since its inception The Big Heart has provided life-saving medical services to over 365,000 Syrian refugees and gave more than 400,000 others vital food and financial aid. In Syria and its neighbouring countries of Jordan, Iraq, Turkey and Lebanon TBHF provided basic essentials to children and their families such as warm shelters, blankets and clothing.