HH Sheikha Jawaher marks one year of life-saving and life-changing work for Syrians as UNHCR Eminent Advocate

Big Heart Campaign calls for a massive donation effort to continue the outstanding work for refugees

UAE, Sharjah, 07 May 2014: Exactly a year after the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) honored her humanitarian achievements by appointing her to lead relief efforts for suffering Syrian children, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi -- Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children -- has urged all donors to join forces in a massive donation drive that will continue the remarkable achievements so far. In just 12 months, the Big Heart Campaign has provided shelter, warm clothing, medical treatment, food and allowances for tens of thousands of Syrian refugees.

Commemorating the one-year anniversary, Her Highness commented: “At a time when there is so much tragic news about Syria, let’s take a moment to focus on the positive events for once: the thousands of families who now have a roof of their heads, food on their plates and hope in their hearts. We still have a lot more lives to touch, so the success of this campaign should not be the end of our generosity, but a brave new beginning.”

 With fresh reports of chlorine gas being used against civilians in Syria, the flood of refugees is set to escalate even further -- despite the resources of Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and other countries already being stretched to breaking point. This has left generous donors and volunteers from abroad as the only ones who can fill the void left by the strained government resources.

The campaign has raised millions of dollars through such creative fundraising concepts as mall activations featuring theater, music celebrities, comedy and art. Meanwhile residents of Sharjah and the rest of the UAE are playing their part, having staged fashion shows, walks, parades and other mass mobilizations.

However there remains a massive need for more schools, teachers and books, given that over a million Syrian refugees -- half of the total -- are aged below 18 and have seen their education being violently disrupted.

Donors are urgently requested to send funds through ‘Salam Ya Seghar’, endorsed by HH Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children.

Bank Details:

Account Name: Salam Ya Seghar “For Syrian Refugee Children”
Account Number: 00344 3043 0012
(Kindly write the bank account number behind your cheque)
IBAN: AE5804 100000 3443043 0012
Contact: +971-6-594-1111/15/03