In November, we responded to a last-minute request: could we provide warm clothes for older children before a volunteer flew out? Absolutely. Thirty hoodies and track bottoms were packed and delivered — simple, cozy, essential.

📏 hannehowardfund.org

“No bureaucracy. Just action. That’s what grassroots giving looks like.”

330 handmade items, carefully crafted by our volunteers, were delivered to children in Rwanda. A collaboration made possible by Laura Keeley and Amy from UAE Trekkers, this was one of our largest single shipments of the year.

“Better get moving on the next one!” was the rallying cry — and move we did.

This year, Syria needed us. Twice. We sent over 500 items — hoodies, shoes, fleece track pants, knitted jumpers, hats, mittens, and Angel Wings pads — to refugees affected by the ongoing crisis.

“Each item packed for Syria felt heavier than fabric. It carried compassion, prayers, and the ache of watching from afar.”

From Delhi to Chennai, we supported multiple Indian partners. Harmony House received over 60 kilos of handmade clothes and essentials for street children. In Chennai, 150 garments were delivered to families living in extreme poverty. And to the Railway Children Project, we sent 50 shoes and sets of underwear — a small gesture for children with big futures.

“To clothe a child is to wrap them in possibility.”

We met with their founder and sent 100 pairs of shoes for the children. When asked if we could sew traditional Salwar Kameez, we began searching for patterns — determined to preserve culture while gifting care.

“Respect begins with relevance. We listen, learn, and then stitch.”

To children in Cairo, we sent dresses, shirts, shorts, and shoes — light, cheerful, and ready for play. A small shipment. A big impact.

Dozens of skirts, all made from tailor’s offcuts that would have otherwise gone to landfill, found new life and new little owners in Myanmar.

“Nothing is wasted. Not fabric. Not kindness.”

This story moved us. Our volunteer Sara Hart traveled with her family to Zanzibar with over 250 items — skirts, hats, dresses, shoes. When they arrived at ZASO, an unfunded local group supporting HIV-affected families, they shared not just clothing but conversation, community, and connection.

“A dirt road. A makeshift school. And the realisation that a single skirt can change how a girl sees herself.”

Through UAE Trekkers, we reached children at a pygmy school, many of whom were refugees. The gratitude shown in smiles and handshakes was overwhelming.

“They didn’t have the words to say thank you, but they tried anyway. And we felt it.”