Campaign to help Afghan children survive winter

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Campaign to help Afghan children survive winter A campaign to provide winter aid for desperate residents of a refugee camp outside Kabul has been set up by UAE residents and has raised thousands of dirhams already. The Charahi Qambar Camp in Kabul is home to more than 1,300 families battling through sub-zero temperatures, with many having to cope with thin jackets and wrap themselves in blankets. Dubai expat Scott Richards, 41, an economic development adviser, spoke to 7DAYS after returning from a visit to Kabul. He met with families that have escaped from war zones around Afghanistan and travelled to Kabul for safety. But they have ended up destitute in one of an estimated 44 camps surrounding the capital. Four years ago the camp made global headlines when more than 100 children froze to death. Richards launched the Warm Up Qambar IDP Camp on Go Fund Me and on Facebook. He said: “Everywhere you go in Kabul, you see people trying to make a living, carving shops and homes out of shipping containers.   “But when you encounter women, children and the elderly facing a hopeless situation, where death will come from the most basic of threats, not terror but the winter… you can’t sit by and do nothing. “The people of Dubai are known for being generous and we hope that they will find it in their hearts this winter to save help.” He added: “Share the story on social networks, hold a bake sale, get some DJs together, put on a show or pass the hat around the table at Christmas.” Richard generated Dhs4,500 in the first 24 hours and has bought thick blankets for the camp. Zwan Family Charity in Kabul manages the handing out of supplies. A spokesman said: “We worry that the beautiful smiling faces, that we have seen being children, playing and laughing in the warmer months, even with nothing, won’t make it through the winter.” More information is available at facebook.com/keepqambarwarm. sarwat@7days.ae Read the original story at: Campaign to help Afghan children survive winter