Takatof volunteers return home from fourth humanitarian mission to US

Abu Dhabi (WAM): Twelve volunteers from Emirates Foundation's Takatof program have returned home from an eight-day humanitarian mission in New Jersey, USA. The young volunteers lent a hand in the renovation of houses destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, and participated in the U.A.E. National Sheikh Zayed Kidney Run in New York City, which coincided with their trip. This marks the fourth consecutive year in which Takatof volunteers have travelled on an international mission to help those in need. Such humanitarian missions are the result of the program's objectives to promote voluntary work among youth in the United Arab Emirates, according to Emirates Foundation for Youth Development. The team of six Emirati male volunteers and six Emirati female volunteers collaborated with Habitat for Humanity Monmouth County - a non-profit housing organisation that builds simple, affordable housing in partnership with people in need - to carry out the renovation, building, and painting of the houses destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey. The 12 volunteers travelled to the working class community of Sea Bright area in New Jersey to rebuild the Morris family home that was completely destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. Their work did not go unnoticed by the community of Sea Bright. Mayor Dina Long met the Takatof volunteers and thanked them profusely, while the local police came on site to thank the young volunteers and show their appreciation for the work they have done. "The entire world was touched by the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy. Given the scope of this disaster, we felt it was important to provide assistance," U.A.E. Ambassador to the United States, Yousef Al Otaiba, said. "The U.A.E. is honoured to lend its assistance in rebuilding these great communities. Over the past year, we have witnessed New Jersey's courage and determination as its citizens worked tirelessly to restore their homes and schools. So, it is no surprise to see our volunteers lined up to come over and lend a hand." "The success of the program is a testament to the enthusiasm of the U.A.E. youth that step up to volunteer every year whenever there is a crisis and help is needed. This year's volunteers not only represented the U.A.E. throughout the mission, but they also put their running shoes on to participate in the U.A.E. National Sheikh Zayed Kidney run," said Maytha Al Habsi, Chief Programmes Officer at the Emirates Foundation. The mission coincided with the annual U.A.E. National Sheikh Zayed Kidney Run, organised in Central Park in New York City on 10th May 2014. The Takatof team was joined in the run with other UAE entities representing the UAE including Yas Marina Circuit, and Etihad. – Emirates News Agency, WAM