We are now more than five months into 2017 — the Year of Giving initiative set out by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and its dedication to the UAE martyrs who sacrificed their lives while performing their national duties. Across the UAE, 1,400 separate initiatives are underway or planned, with each of the seven emirates taking part and targeting all segments of society. Crucial to the success of the Year of Giving is the role played by businesses and corporations that are actively encouraged to engage in programmes and acts of helping others through their respective corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
There are many ways companies can participate and fulfil their social duties and responsibilities, either through the provision of goods and services, or encouraging and assisting their employees to contribute in a meaningful manner during this Year of Giving. And now, with Ramadan approaching, it’s an ideal time for companies, employers and employees to consider how their unique skills can be of assistance to those in need.
Can a company donate some of its services to assist those who go without, or who couldn’t afford their specialised skills? Could a company, perhaps, that is engaged in telemarketing, let those living in labour accommodations use the phones for an afternoon to call their loved ones overseas? Can the old and outdated computers be revamped and sent to help children in poor nations learn the basics that we so often take for granted? Can a construction company use its expertise to build a school in a third-world country? Or can a law firm help those in need of advice? The only limit to CSR programmes are the companies themselves and it’s time to tide over the impediments.
