Dubai: Dubai has created another world record by collecting 295,122 items of clothing for donation as a part of an annual initiative that took place in the UAE and Qatar from the start of Ramadan until July 6.
The campaign ‘Share a touch of love’, was organised by fabric cleaning brands OMO and Comfort with the aim of donating clothes to those in need around the world, through the help of Emirates Red Crescent.
The record was set at 293,623 items, which was collected in India last year. The new record was made official by Guinness World Records during a ceremony at Armani Hotel, Dubai on Monday.
The collection drive encouraged residents in the UAE and Qatar to make a donation by dropping off their clothes at any of 63 locations, which include dozens of in-mall stands.
Residents also had the option of calling the chauffeur cab booking service, Careem, to arrange for collection from their home free of charge.
“This is the seventh year we have run the campaign in the UAE and every year we witness a remarkable increase in the number of people giving back. We would like to thank the people of the UAE who have supported the campaign passionately and helped us break the Guinness World Record title three years in a row,” said Ageel Angawi, Homecare vice-president for Unilever North Africa and Middle East.
The campaign has reached over 800,000 people in need around the world over the last seven years, with donations this year going to five refugee camps in Iraq and two camps in Jordan.
“This campaign truly embodies the spirit of giving in Ramadan and is another proof of the great values rooted in the people living in this country. Those donations will help several people in need and we will continue with the help of our partners to support the nations that require our attention and focus on reaching to as many people as we can,” said Mohammad Abdullah Al Haj Al Zarouni, general manager of the Dubai branch of Emirates Red Crescent.
He confirmed the campaign will take place next year, and will focus on another humanitarian aspect.
