It’s a year of hope to come, say expats
dubai — Expats are welcoming the New Year not just with fervent hope and utmost optimism, but also with well-placed compassion, kindness and commitment to make a positive difference, especially with the declaration of 2017 as Year of Giving.
They are looking beyond enriching themselves or doing charity work but for opportunities, ideas and action plan on how to strengthen the country’s social fabric.
“The year of giving is a wonderful concept that will hopefully encourage people to look beyond their everyday routine to see how they can make a positive impact on the individuals and communities around them,” British expat Kaye Rawlings told Khaleej Times. “We are all guilty of getting caught up in the stresses of day to day - to be encouraged to think beyond that is a fantastic opportunity for us all to do some good,” added the PR account director.
Community development is at the heart of the Year of Giving. Pakistani expat Youshey Zakiuddin, who works as a senior executive for corporate sustainability, said: “As we step from the Year of Reading into the Year of Giving, we are moving from doing something for personal development to contributing towards community development.”
“I hope every one of us uses this opportunity given to us by UAE’s leadership to strengthen our values of generosity, kindness, compassion and courtesy, not just with our finances, but with our daily conduct with everyone around us. I personally plan to volunteer more in 2017,” he added.
For Jade Zheng, editor of a Dubaibased Chinese magazine, “The declaration of the Year of Giving showcases the tolerance, generosity and openness of this country to its residents and the world. It encourages its people to be compassionate and char- itable towards others, and by doing so, to fulfill themselves with love and happiness.”
Filipino expat Shulamite Berte agrees. She told KT: “This a good start for the government, private sector, individuals and institutions to get involved in the humanitarian social responsibility to improve, strengthen and achieve further development of the UAE.”
Joey Tiberio, sales manager at Philippine Airlines, added: “This is the best time to give and express our love for this country. Peace and unity can be achieved by sharing love and this will resolve a lot of issues and conflicts.”
Expressing the voice of the youth, Grade 11 student Tanishka Saxena from GEMS Our Own English High School said: “Year of Giving is a great initiative . There will be a focus on instilling loyalty and commitment in the next generation to serve the country.”
Starting within family is important for Pakistani businesswoman Reshma Karim. She said: “My family decided to give back to the society starting within our compound to help our workers not only by monetary means but by humane gestures like giving home-made food. Real wealth is not accumulating wealth but winning hearts of many.”
Giving also means getting good karma. For Sureej Abraham, “giving money to the poor or helping the needy is the best way to ensure that the joy will bounce back to you.”
“I always make sure to participate in the charitable initiatives through my company and looking forward for many more in 2017,” added Rohit Shinde, project manager at a retail company.
“So, it’s a very beautiful thought to start the New Year on a very positive note. Declaring 2017 as the Year of Giving motivates us to contribute more to our society,” underlined Lavina D’souza.