Dubai, UAE — In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity and compassion, American actor Terry Crews postponed his flight back to the United States to join local volunteers in distributing iftar packs to workers in Dubai on the first day of Ramadan.
Crews, known for his roles in Hollywood and his past as an NFL player, collaborated with The Giving Family (TGF) at a labour camp in Al Quoz on Saturday to help pack meals for fasting workers.
Crews was initially scheduled to depart Dubai on March 1, but a conversation with TGF’s co-founder, Zehra Rizvi, inspired him to delay his flight.
“He was supposed to catch his flight on March 1, but when we told him about our iftar initiative, he delayed his return,” Rizvi said.
“He stayed for almost 1.5 hours, helping us pack the boxes. He took the time to get to know the volunteers and spoke to the workers. He was really sweet.”
Videos circulating on social media captured the actor addressing the volunteers, expressing his gratitude and admiration for their efforts. “I am actually choked up,” Crews said.
“I want you to know that what you are doing here means so much to so many.” He praised the volunteers’ dedication and described the experience as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and kindness.
A Growing Movement of Giving
Founded in 2017 by Palestinian American Fadie Musallet, Canadian Zehra Rizvi, and Algerian British Sabrina Rabhi, TGF began as a modest initiative to distribute meals during Ramadan.
Over the years, it has transformed into a significant movement with hundreds of volunteers distributing thousands of meals daily. Last year, the group provided over 7,000 meals each day to labourers in Al Quoz.
This Ramadan, TGF aims to distribute at least half a million meals, a substantial increase from previous years. “We are conducting three meal distributions every day,” Rizvi said.
“One is spearheaded by our volunteers, while the other two are corporate distributions. Combined, we are hoping to give away half a million meals this year.”
Expanding Charity Efforts
In addition to distributing meals, TGF has introduced a new initiative in collaboration with the Tarahum Charity Foundation, encouraging people to donate gently used items such as clothes and toys.
The group has set up three collection points across Dubai for these donations. Volunteers carefully sort and package the items, which are then distributed to workers in labour camps and struggling families across the UAE.
“The Tarahum foundation works to identify those in need and get the necessary items to them,” Rizvi explained.
This year’s initiatives also include a ‘dua board’ set up at the labour camps, where volunteers and workers can write the names of loved ones who are sick or have passed away. For each name added, TGF donates 100 meals in their memory and offers prayers for them.
Terry Crews’ participation has not only highlighted TGF’s efforts but has also brought a wave of positivity and encouragement to the volunteers. His willingness to delay his flight and personally engage with the workers reflects the spirit of giving that defines Ramadan in Dubai.