AUS stands together to help Syrian refugees

The Winter Aid for Syrian Refugees, held as part of the UAE Compassion Campaign at American University of Sharjah (AUS) ended today, January 15, and proved a great success with over AED 51,000 being raised by the drive. Apart from the monetary support, the campaign will also provide a large number of blankets for the refugees who are suffering due to extreme cold weather and the harsh living conditions in refugee camps.

A representative from the Emirates Red Crescent received the donations on behalf of the organization at a special ceremony held at the AUS Student Center today.

AUS Chancellor Dr. Björn Kjerfve, and other senior officials were present at the ceremony.

"Following the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, we asked our students to organize and participate in this event to help support Syrian refugees. Such campaigns are important learning experiences for students. We are very pleased that the AUS community as a whole helped in gathering donations and blankets," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.

"We should help people in need. It is our duty as human beings to assist each other and support those who need our help. The AUS community did very well in playing that role," said Faisal Mohammad Abdullah, Vice Chairman of Local Aid in Sharjah for Emirates Red Crescent.

AUS student, Mirna Al Midni, a second year student in international studies, worked as a volunteer for the campaign and said, "As participants, we feel responsible for the people in Syria; we are here for them and united in helping each other."

The campaign was organized by the Office of Student Affairs' Community Services division, with the help of AUS student volunteers.