It's midday and a sweaty 38°C as hundreds of construction workers are finishing up a tough day under the sun at a Dubai site. Yet before their bus arrives, one team of dedicated volunteers are determined to put smiles on their faces.
"Just giving a bottle of water draws a big smile. This is what I and the other volunteers love to do, ” said Mrs Swathi Santhosh, a fridge manager at the Ramadan Sharing Fridges initiative.
The team is handing out 600 environmentally - friendly bags laden with snacks, juices and yogurts near Al Falasi Residence in Bur Dubai. That's around three trolleys worth, with most of the food and beverages taken home to enjoy in private or for iftar for those who are fasting.
“The initiative has brought people from different background and nationalities together for a single purpose – to provide meals for labourers and those on low - incomes, ” said Mrs Santhosh.
No leftovers or cooked meals are allowed as they can get contaminated or fester with sickness - causing bugs when kept in the heat for a long time, there is just fresh produce and supplies. "We want to make sure the food is safe for them and not spoiled, ” said Mrs Santhosh.
“I look forward to the distributions made by the team of Ramadan Sharing Fridges. I enjoy the bananas and yoghurt especially, ” said Zubair Khan, a 28 - year - old construction worker from Pakistan.
When asked how he copes with working in the heat, he said: “I need to work during these hours as its before our midday break. I take some time to rest during the shift.
“I feel dizzy sometimes. Then I rest for a while and later continue working. ”
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