Dignity in aid: how vouchers empower families in Gaza

In the face of extreme hardship, dignity can be a luxury. But at IF Charity, we believe in helping people with dignity, even in crisis.

During Ramadan, your support allowed us to expand our Food Voucher programme – a more empowering way to deliver aid. Instead of handing out pre-packed food parcels, we gave displaced families in Gaza personalised vouchers, redeemable at local shops. Families could walk in, choose what they needed most, and check out as any customer would.

It’s a simple act – the act of choice – but it means everything.

Why vouchers?

In Gaza, every family’s needs are different. While one household may need rice and flour, another may urgently require baby formula, oil, or hygiene items. Pre-packed parcels, which are good for mass distribution, cannot account for these individual needs.

By distributing vouchers:

• Families retain control over what they receive as aid
• The process is faster, more flexible, and more respectful
• We support the local economy by partnering with trusted shops

Our teams worked closely with shopkeepers and community leaders to register families and distribute vouchers directly outside the stores. ID checks ensured that every voucher reached the intended household. The result was smoother, safer aid distribution – and most importantly, restored dignity for those receiving it.

IF Charity staff help children choose Eid clothes, to bring some joy and normalcy to their lives, in Gaza, March 2025 [IF Charity]

IF Charity staff help children choose Eid clothes, to bring some joy and normalcy to their lives, in Gaza, March 2025 [IF Charity]

IF Charity staff help children choose Eid clothes, to bring some joy and normalcy to their lives, in Gaza, March 2025 [IF Charity]

IF Charity staff distribute food vouchers for families in southern Gaza during March 2025, allowing families to choose the products they need with dignity [IF Charity]

IF Charity staff distribute food vouchers for families in southern Gaza during March 2025, allowing families to choose the products they need with dignity [IF Charity]

IF Charity staff distribute food vouchers for families in southern Gaza during March 2025, allowing families to choose the products they need with dignity [IF Charity]

Eid clothes: A reason to smile

This same model was extended before Eid. Wearing new clothes on Eid is a tradition for Muslims across the world, but in Gaza, new clothes for children simply are not a priority for the families living in tents.

With the support of donors like you, we provided clothing vouchers to vulnerable children across Gaza. For many, this was the only new outfit they’d receive all year.

In crowded areas scarred by displacement and grief, we witnessed moments of joy — children choosing their Eid clothes with care, pride, and excitement. These moments matter. They bring back a sense of normalcy and celebration, especially for Gaza’s youngest.

This is the power of thoughtful giving

Aid is not just about survival. It’s about how we give. By enabling choice, dignity, and independence, we’re not just meeting urgent needs, but reaffirming the humanity of those we serve.

Thanks to your generosity, thousands of families could mark Ramadan and Eid with greater dignity, comfort, and joy.

With your continued support, we can expand our voucher schemes and reach even more people in need – not only during Ramadan or Eid, but throughout the year. A donation of £50 can provide financial support to a displaced family in Gaza.

Donate now and help restore dignity to families across Gaza.