The royal is encouraging others to follow in Mother Teresa’s footsteps…
From donating millions of dirhams towards fighting hunger to personally delivering emergency aid to a cyclone-hit island, HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein’s charitable endeavours are many and often.
And now the royal is urging others to do their part – today in particular.
September 5 marks the International Day of Charity, an occasion declared by the United Nations back in 2012 to help encourage fund-raising for worthy causes.
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The date also marks the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, the nun and missionary – who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 – celebrated for her humanitarian work.
Princess Haya used a quote from the Missionaries of Charity founder to motivate others to follow in her footsteps.
“Today, the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, is designated by the United Nations as the International Day of Charity,” the royal wrote on Facebook, alongside an image of the nun.
“This is in recognition of the role of charity in alleviating humanitarian crises and human suffering, as well as of the efforts of charitable organisations and individuals, including the work of Mother Teresa.
“What stone will you cast across the waters today to create some ripples?”
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As a nation, the UAE has contributed towards several generous initiatives this year alone, donating tonnes of aid to war-stricken South Sudan, sending Dhs11 million to help provide education to 15,000 vulnerable youths in Colombia, and flying out emergency supplies to cyclone-devastated Haiti.
Indeed, the UAE is no stranger to foreign aid, and was even ranked as the biggest donor in the world in 2014.
Princess Haya addressed the UAE’s generosity in a speech earlier this year, adding that the nation’s contributions would continue.
“The UAE gave Dhs32 billion in aid [in 2015],” the royal said. “The UAE will continue in line with the Year of Giving to be one of the most humanitarian countries in the world.
“The goal of our leadership is clear, which is to build a future city of security and humanitarian. It is our responsibility, it is our humanity that future generations will hold us accountable for.”
And since 2017 is officially the Year of Giving in the UAE, what better excuse to give back now?
Whether it’s making a donation to a charity of your choice, signing up to a volunteering platform, or making a special gesture for someone less fortunate than yourself, make a difference – big or small – today.
Images: HRH Princess Haya/Instagram, Dubai Media Office
