Doha, Qatar – November 20, 2024

The ‘How Long?’ relief campaign launched by Qatar Charity (QC) for the 2024–2025 winter season places a special focus on crisis-affected regions, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid worth QR 72 million across special 25 countries.

The campaign was launched through an episode of the ‘Hayatuna’ program on Qatar TV, accompanied by a video shared on Qatar Charity’s social media accounts. The video highlighted the key humanitarian projects planned for the 2024–2025 winter season.

Special Focus

Given the severe humanitarian conditions in crisis and disaster-affected regions, where the onset of winter exacerbates the suffering of those impacted, the ‘How Long?’ campaign will prioritize providing aid to these regions. Special focus will be placed on Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan, Yemen, and northern Syria, in addition to regions experiencing extreme cold worldwide.

Mr. Mana Al-Ansari, Director of Qatar Charity’s Humanitarian Operations Department, emphasized the need to address the escalating basic needs of those affected by prolonged and expanding crises. He called for generous contributions to protect vulnerable communities from the severe risks posed by harsh winter conditions, including freezing temperatures, torrential rains, and heavy snowfall.

Targeted Countries

He explained that the list of countries benefiting from the winter relief campaign, outside of Qatar, includes 24 Palestine, Syria, Sudan, Jordan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan, Albania, Pakistan, Bangladesh (Rohingya refugees), Turkey, Niger, Chad, Tunisia, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Benin, Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Ghana, Kashmir, and Mali.

Regarding the aid to be provided to the targeted groups outside Qatar, Al-Ansari pointed out that the campaign will address basic winter needs through a range of initiatives and diverse products. He explained that these products include food assistance like food packages and bread, as well as shelter and non-food aid such as winter clothing, shelter kits, house rent, home repairs, provision and maintenance of caravans, heating equipment, fuel, and winter living essentials. He stated that in the health sector, the products will include primary healthcare services and first aid kits, while the water and sanitation sector will focus on providing water, water tankers, and personal hygiene kits.

Assistance for Orphans

Through this campaign, Qatar Charity will allocate assistance for orphans under its care worldwide, as part of its social welfare efforts to support vulnerable groups. Mr. Yousuf Abdulla Al-Khulaifi, Head of Child and Family Care, explained that the ‘How Long?’ campaign is expected to provide winter aid to thousands of orphans in 16 countries globally through its ‘Rofaqa’ initiative. He indicated that the winter aid will include blankets, mattresses, and clothing.

Within Qatar

Within Qatar, the campaign’s assistance will focus on workers, in line with Qatar Charity’s commitment to strengthening social cohesion and recognizing their contribution to development efforts. The aid will include food baskets, winter clothing, medical check-ups, and health awareness programs.

Mr. Ahmad Yousef Fakhroo, CEO’s assistant for the Resources Development and Communication sector at Qatar Charity, began the launch of the “How Long?” campaign by discussing the campaign’s challenge this year. He vividly conveyed the suffering of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) during winter in an innovative and impactful way. He indicated that participants in the challenge will enter a very cold room, and within moments, a video will be shown, featuring a child describing the hardships faced by IDPs and refugees in camps during this season.

Fakhroo stated that the experience delivered a powerful message: while the participants could leave the cold whenever they wished, refugees, IDPs, and their children are forced to endure the harsh winter without an option, unless help is extended to ease their suffering.

He encouraged individuals and companies in Qatar to support the winter campaign to reach as many needy people as possible, especially IDPs, refugees, and the vulnerable.

Ways to Donate

Generous individuals can donate to the campaign through Qatar Charity’s website (https://qch.qa/winterEn) or make direct donations at Qatar Charity’s branches and collection points across the country. Donations can also be made via the hotline: 44290000. Additionally, a mobile collection representative can be requested to reach donors wherever they are.

To watch the campaign’s introductory video, click on the link below:

Video Link: https://qch.qa/8F0780

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