30,000 Campaign

Timeframe: January 2009-March 2009

Location: Gaza Strip

Donor/s: OCHA, Al Quds University, Private Sector, Personal Donations

Using the resources of Sharek’s Campaigns and Awareness Raising Unit, Sharek launched the 30,000 Campaign in January 2009. With the support of its staff, personal donations, and Al Quds University employee donations, Sharek Youth Forum raised $24,372.

The private sector contributed an estimated $65,000 in necessary goods and items, and Sharek received commitments of approx $100,000 from international organizations. Five operation rooms were hosted in Sharek’s offices in Gaza and operated as focal points for other organizations to coordinate efforts in providing assistance. Sharek was also able to mobilize in-kind support from private-sector companies. The first batch included more than 21,000 packs of baby food provided by Jaffar Company in Bir Nabala.

Sharek provided practical assistance with the support of experts in the fields of psycho-social therapy, health and safety. Publications were also distributed on issues such as dealing with terrified children, how to act in case of an emergency and preventing damage that can be caused by phosphorous bombs.

Through the 30,000 campaign, Sharek responded by providing both practical and psychosocial support to people living in shelters in Gaza. Over 100 Sharek volunteers from Gaza and countless volunteers in the West Bank participated in this intervention.

Project Fact Box

• 5,000 recreational kits (toys, crayons, play-dough and books) were distributed

• 3,000 milk bottles distributed

• 500 children’s pajamas distributed

• Psychosocial activities including art, literature and drama therapy provided