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Around 1,000 Iftar packs were handed over to motorists along Street 23 in the Industrial Area during the Iftar drive organised by the Filipino Fitness and Health in Qatar (FFHQ).
The initiative titled Iftar Drive Labor of Love Campaign is among the annual activities of the fitness group whose main advocacy is the promotion of healthy lifestyle through exercise, particularly the Latin fitness craze Zumba.
"FFHQ was established and recognised in 2013 by the Philippine Embassy. Our group is not only focusing on fitness and health but we also conduct outreach missions for distressed Filipino workers and others. Our Iftar campaign this year is also in commemoration of the 119th Philippine Independence Day, which will be celebrated by the community during the Eid holidays.
"The aim of our Iftar drive is to spread awareness among commuters on driving safely and not rushing home to break their fast. Our area of distribution is in the Industrial Area as it is the most common place of labourers and workers. These people work very hard, at times, under the sun while many of us are comfortably working in our air-conditioned offices. Our group feels that they need our attention more during these times," FFHQ Secretary Thine Junio told Qatar Tribune.
The Iftar packs contained water, biscuits, dates, juices and some fruits. The items were gathered by FFHQ from community members in the last few weeks. According to Thine, the final collection of donations and packing of the goods took two days.
"The volunteers gathered at the Bin Omran QDVC accommodation for two consecutive days for the collection and packing of the Iftar bags A large number of volunteers showed up to help and in return they were provided with Iftar dinner. Staying true to the spirit of the Holy Month of Ramadan, these volunteers showed great enthusiasm," said Thine.
On distribution day, most of the members came in their blue anniversary shirt at the meeting place. Many motorists expressed appreciation of the efforts of the group.
The volunteers were later treated to an iftar dinner by the FFHQ leadership.
