The city of Dearborn, Michigan, hosted the First Annual Orphans Day, an event organized under the sponsorship of Life for Relief and Development, as part of a major humanitarian initiative aimed at highlighting the plight of orphans and strengthening society’s responsibility toward their care and social inclusion—particularly in regions affected by wars and humanitarian crises.
The event was closely followed through on-site engagement with organizers, officials, and participants, offering comprehensive insight into the wide range of activities. Organizers emphasized that all proceeds from the event were directed entirely toward orphan sponsorship programs, highlighting the crucial role of charitable initiatives in protecting children, supporting their well-being, and fostering hope for a better future.
A Major Humanitarian Initiative
Held at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, the event reflects more than 30 years of humanitarian work by Life for Relief and Development in supporting orphans, impoverished children, and refugees worldwide. The initiative embodied values of compassion, solidarity, and long-term social responsibility.
In a prior interview, Yasser Al-Kulaibi, Community Relations Coordinator at Life, explained that the event was not merely symbolic, but rather a comprehensive gathering that brought together youth, women, and families from diverse backgrounds to actively contribute to meaningful and lasting support for orphans.
He noted that orphans represent a shared humanitarian cause capable of uniting communities beyond social or cultural differences—making this annual day distinct from other charitable events.
Programs, Workshops, and a Charity Bazaar
Al-Kulaibi explained that the conference included lectures, workshops, children’s activities, and a large charity bazaar featuring small businesses run by women entrepreneurs. All proceeds from the bazaar were allocated entirely to orphan sponsorship programs.
He emphasized that the core objective of the first Annual Orphans Day was to ensure that sponsored children feel fully integrated into society and receive both material and emotional support, allowing them to grow up with dignity, stability, and a sense of belonging.
Caring for the Most Vulnerable
During his speech, Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib expressed his appreciation for participating in the event during his final week in office. He described caring for orphans as one of the highest humanitarian responsibilities, noting that they are among the most vulnerable groups worldwide.
He highlighted the psychological trauma faced by children in war zones such as Gaza, including anxiety, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder, stressing that support must extend beyond material aid to include emotional and familial care.
“An Investment in the Hereafter”
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud stressed that caring for orphans is not merely a worldly act, but an investment in the Hereafter, citing the Prophetic saying that places the sponsor of an orphan beside Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Paradise.
He drew particular attention to Gaza’s orphans, describing many as “wounded children with no surviving family,” and emphasized that these children depend entirely on community solidarity and charitable institutions for survival and care.
Life for Relief and Development’s Global Impact
Dr. Hani Saqr, Executive Director of Life for Relief and Development, praised attendees and volunteers, noting that the organization marked 33 years of humanitarian service this December. He highlighted achievements from the past year, including:
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Digging approximately 150 water wells worldwide
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Sponsoring 12,000 orphans globally
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Distributing $20 million in medical supplies across 12 countries
He announced that the organization’s primary goal is to support 10,000 orphans in Gaza, in addition to thousands more worldwide in the coming year.
Orphan Sponsorship Is a Collective Duty
Abdulrahman Al-Sayed, candidate for the Michigan State Senate, attended in his personal capacity, affirming that Islamic teachings strongly emphasize orphan sponsorship. He expressed pride in supporting an initiative dedicated to uplifting orphans both locally and globally.
A Moral and Humanitarian Stand
Imad Hamad, Executive Director of the American Human Rights Council, described Life for Relief and Development as a leading humanitarian organization with a long-standing record of serving communities in Gaza, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and beyond.
Volunteer Dr. Shorouk Al-Naqdi highlighted that orphan sponsorship remains one of the noblest charitable acts—especially amid current crises that have left over 55,000 orphans in Gaza, in addition to thousands more in Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
She emphasized that 100% of donations go directly to the sponsored child, with no administrative deductions.
Community Participation and Hope
The event featured participation from more than 66 women-led businesses, offering handmade goods, organic products, Islamic-themed crafts, perfumes, and community services. All proceeds were dedicated to supporting orphans affected by war, displacement, floods, and famine.
Organizers concluded by emphasizing that community presence and participation—even through simple acts—can significantly ease the suffering of orphaned children and help restore hope in their lives.