RCA's fundraising telethon raises Dh120-plus for Syrian refugees

Abu Dhabi: More than Dh120 million in urgent aid for Syrian refugees has been raised by the fundraising drive organised by the UAE Red Crescent Authority (RCA) in implementation of orders from President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In addition to the cash donations, the two-day 'Our Hearts are with the Syrians' charity telethon also raised large quantities of in-kind donations to help the refugees who endure freezing conditions in Syria's neighbouring countries. RCA Secretary-General, Dr. Ateeq Al Falahi, said the fundraiser through the media has concluded but is still otherwise open receive contributions from any donor wishing to back the humanitarian effort. RCA will use all the raised donations to procure relief material for the refugees from the local markets of host countries according to its assessment of needs at refugee camps. Al Falahi emphasised that RCA is always prepared to assist victims of conflicts and natural disasters, and in particular those displaced to refugee camps which he said "cannot serve as a replacement for their home countries." – Emirates News Agency, WAM