Indian church joins hands with UAE's humanitarian campaign

An Indian church has instructed all its members in the UAE to participate in a humanitarian campaign led by the Gulf nation's President, aimed at helping one million Syrian refugees who are struggling against freezing winter in Levant region.
The Supreme Head of Indian Malankara Orthodox Church and Catholicose of All The East Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulose II has instructed all church members in the UAE to actively participate in the 'UAE Compassion' campaign.
The campaign aims at helping millions of refugees in Levant region struggling against freezing winter in flimsy tents with inadequate facilities, Gulf News reported.
The campaign is being directed by President of UAE Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and reiterated by Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Extensive arrangements are in place to collect and distribute winter clothes, blankets and food supplies to the refugees in association with UAE Red Crescent Society, under the leadership of Vicars of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah parishes, the report said.
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church was founded by St Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, who came to India in AD 52.

The Indian Malankara Orthodox Church is a regular participant in the charity drives spearheaded in the world.
Meanwhile, over Dh 13 million (USD 3.5 million) was donated by Dubai citizens yesterday, bringing the total donations to around Dh 190 million (USD 51.72 million)

Donation are expected to reach Dh 200 million (USD 54.45 million), Mohammad Abdullah Al Haj Al Zarouni, head of Emirates Red Crescent's (ERC) Dubai branch, said.
Personnel are working on the ground in the areas covered by the campaign, which include refugee camps in Palestinian region, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq, Al Zarouni said.