Retail sector contributions pour in for Dubai Cares

Dubai: Dubai Cares received Dh9 million in donations on Friday night from leaders in the retail industry to launch the retail sector's participation in the campaign.

Cheques were presented to Shaikh Rashid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who urged the management of shopping malls and retailers in Dubai to actively participate in the campaign, and raise funds to provide primary education for underprivileged children across the world.

The campaign has raised Dh130 million until midday yesterday of which Dh90 million were raised on the launch day Wednesday and Thursday, inclusive of a Dh25 million donation from etisalat.

Dubai Cares was unveiled on Wednesday by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with his children due to take the lead over the coming week.

The campaign specifically sets out to build new school facilities, renovate existing abandoned or damaged school premises, distribute school supply materials, award scholarships, coordinate feeding programmes at schools and generally create basic conditions for students to excel in education and take their rightful position as positive contributors to their societies.

Shaikh Rashid issued his clarion call as he unveiled special donation boxes that will be kept at key locations in shopping malls throughout the emirate, as well as Dubai International Airport and Dubai Duty Free. He also announced players from the five Dubai football clubs will sport the 'Dubai Cares' campaign logo on their shirts during the championship season.

Tawhid Abdullah, chairman of the Gold and Jewellery group pledged the first Dh1 million to Shaikh Rashid and said this sum is expected to rise to Dh3 million throughout the drive.

Ashok Sawlani, Vice Chairman of Textile Merchants Group donated, Dh 1 million and Rajen Kilachand, President and Chairman of Dodsal Group, donated Dh7 million.

Shaikh Rashid said the participation of the retail sector, especially by trade bodies like the Dubai Shopping Mall Group and the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, will have a positive impact on the future of one million children who lack basic education.

Online

Dubai Cares campaign goes online: www.dubaicares.ae provides information on the campaign and gives people a chance to make online donations.

- WAM