It's always a Year of Giving for this Dubai humanitarian

Dubai - For last two years, she has been organising a 'Friday market' in association with the Dar Al Ber Society.

Juhi Yasmeen Khan, 43, believes she was born to help others. She says nothing gives her more satisfaction than bringing smiles to people in need. Khan, a fashion expert, is known for leading a number of charitable initiatives in the UAE since 1998. Her first social stint was a fundraiser event for Al Noor Centre for Special Needs Children, for which she designed garments for the kids and trained them to stage a fashion show. An ordinary woman from Meerut, a small town in India, Khan is a passionate social worker.
Explaining how giving became a part of her life, she says: "Actually, we were invited for a function at Al Noor centre some 18 years back. I was so moved after seeing those children that when I came back home I couldn't stop crying. That's when I decided that I would do something for those beautiful kids.
"I still remember, there were 30 children and I dressed them up like models. They walked the ramp confidently. After the event, a few parents came and touched my feet - that was the turning point in my life."
She has never looked back since then. From rescuing workers to helping women and organising Iftars for underprivileged people, she has done it all.
A special Friday market
For last two years, she has been organising a 'Friday market' in association with the Dar Al Ber Society - a Dubai-based charitable organisation - in the Bur Dubai area. Every Friday, she converts free parking area at Rolla Street in Bur Dubai into a fun market.
This concept has helped many people. One of them is Sahil, a differently-abled 16-year-old boy, who can do wonders with his brush and colours.
His father Reyasudheen T. says: "We met her a few months ago at an exhibition where Sahil showcased his painting for the first time. She was impressed by his work and proposed us the free space in the market to sell the paintings. We came here last week. People are actually not only noticing my son's creativity but buying his paintings too. It gives us, especially Sahil, a great sense of achievement and independence. We are very grateful to her."
Quasar Ahmed, a Bangladeshi vegetable and fruits vendor at the Friday market, says: "Here, we provide fruits and vegetables at wholesale rates and also make extra money by working on an otherwise unproductive day. So it is beneficial for the public as well as us."
Women empowerment
Juhi is also the founder of the Women empowerment and help group, 'Women Helping Women'. She has supported many women with her strong initiatives, have organised special events for women labourers and have motivated many to become independent and bold.
Sanya (name changed), a Pakistani National, was nine-month pregnant when her husband was arrested in a cheque bounce case and went to jail. Sanya had nowhere to go at that time. It was Juhi who arranged hospital for her for the delivery along with other necessities.
"It was the most difficult time of my life when she helped me, and I had nobody with me at that time. Words are less to express my emotions for her. All I can say now is she has a very kind and beautiful heart," says Sanya.
She has also helped in the rescue of 21 Asian workers who were living in a bus without food and shelter for 15 days. She has arranged medical check-up and treatment for all the workers and also liaised with the Ministry of Labour, Indian Embassy and Pakistani Embassy to get their outpasses and passports.
What motivates her
She stood and fought for the rights of the people in the UAE, extending her support to the needy from time to time. "It wasn't easy for me to do all by myself, there is a team to work with which made everything possible for me. Also, without my husband's motivations, this journey would have been incomplete. He was always there for me, is there for me and will be there for me ever. I am blessed to have a companion who shares same opinion with me in terms of charity and social work."
Her husband Ahmad Kamaal furthers her thought. "I am proud of Juhi. She is a good wife and a very good mother and is the best daughter. She is born with caring and loving attitude. She cannot see anyone in trouble and that's the reason she is always ready to help others. I am not doing anything extra other than letting her do whatever she wants. I think she is an inspiration for me, her friends, family and every woman. I can only tell her please keep the good work going and earn as many blessings you can," he says. 
Between home, work and social work Juhi stroked the perfect balance by fulfilling her responsibilities and performing all her duties timely. 
Her role model
Juhi has always admired her father's involvement in the social work and going out of the way to help others. "I remember when I was a child, my father used to invite homeless people to our home. He used to give them food and at times used to counsel people. I liked the way he supported everyone around and I have always tried following his footsteps. It was the most disappointing moment of my life when I lost him and that incident motivated me more to help others."
The Year of Giving
She welcomes 2017 as the Year of Giving. "I am very happy that this year has been dedicated for a good cause - giving. But, I also feel that this thought should not just be there in the minds of people for only a year but for the lifetime. It would be a wonderful opportunity for everyone to participate and promote this beautiful thought. I would encourage more and more people to contribute towards charity work in 2017.
"Moreover, many people are not aware about the do's and don'ts of charitable activities in the UAE. So, I would advise everyone to get in touch with an authorised charity organisation before starting or involving in a charitable activity. And, if anyone wants my help in finding a relevant authorised charity organisation, I would be very happy to assist any individual or company interested in helping the society."
- ankita@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai