Firms show a big heart to clothe needy kids

Firms show a big heart to clothe needy kids Staff Reporter (news@khaleejtimes.com) / 16 July 2013 Another Dh4 million has been pledged to the rapidly growing pool of funds for a campaign to clothe one million needy children around the globe, launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Just four days after last Thursday’s campaign launch, there is already Dh12 million in donations from corporate sponsors alone, with Emirates NBD bank and the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) the latest to jump on board, with Dh2 million and Dh1 million respectively. The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments joined the campaign with its Chairman Hamdan Mussalam Al Mazrouei handing a cheque of Dh1 million to RCA Secretary-General Dr Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi. So far the total donations are above Dh16 million. The other big donations have come from a Dh3 million pledge each from both the country’s major telecommunications companies du and etisalat, while Damac chairman Hussain Al Sajwani has donated Dh2 million, and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority a further Dh1 million. It is not yet clear how much has been donated by private citizens, who can send text codes through etisalat and du to make a contribution. The Red Crescent Authority, which distributed the aid on behalf of Shaikh Mohammed, yesterday distributed the aid to 100,000 Yemeni children. Children in Yemen have joined those in Bosnia and Syrian refugees in Jordan, as some of the first to receive a new outfit at a cost of Dh40 — meaning the whole project must raise Dh40 million. So far enough has been raised to clothe 384,245 children. Chairman of both Emirates Group and Dubai Aviation Authority Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the company was grateful to Shaikh Mohammed for “giving us the opportunity to support such a noble cause that truly reflects the humanitarian spirit of the UAE. This contribution allows us all to participate in giving to the most needy in the world and to help children who are in need of our support”. “I would like to join in calling all the people in the UAE to take advantage of this philanthropic act and to give to these deserving children in need.” The donation coincided with the bank’s celebrations of “50 years of giving back to the broader community”, he said. Meanwhile, Dewa chief executive Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said Shaikh Mohammed had made good and noble deeds in the field of humanitarian aid, both nationally and internationally, through various charity organisations and initiatives, including the Mohammed Bin Rashid Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, Dubai Cares, Noor Dubai and others. “His Highness’ efforts aim to help the poor, the sick, widows, orphans, the needy, the distressed and afflicted people either in the UAE or all over the world,” he said. Al Tayer said the charity reflected the country’s leaders’ “relentless pursuit” to help the poor and needy — traits which are deep-rooted in Emirati society. “These initiatives are part of human development in our society and are considered civilised characteristics of societies that are keen to consolidate social solidarity and support giving to the needy, regardless of their race, religion or language.” Dewa has placed donation boxes inside its head office and all other branches as part of an internal campaign to collect donations from employees and customers, the authority said in a media statement on Monday. Dewa has also sent e-mails to encourage donations from employees.     Taylor Scott International