Dubai: The “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish the largest Ramadan sustainable food aid endowment fund, has raised a total of Dh750 million in 20 days. More than 120,000 donors including major individuals, businesses and private- and public organisations, contributed to the noble cause.
The campaign, which coincided with the holy month of Ramadan, has seen a remarkable response since its launch, with members of the community racing to contribute and make a difference, highlighting the noble values deeply held in the UAE community.
Sustainable Charity
Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Secretary General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, said: “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign is a practical application of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision for unconditional giving, which is a key pillar of the Emirati moral code and identity. Creating hope is what we do in the UAE.
“Raising a total of Dh750 million from 120,000 contributors in 20 days is a true reflection of the principles of social solidarity, opening new horizons for charity work that addresses the needs of underprivileged populations around the world, which is among the key objectives of UAE’s humanitarian initiatives,” he added.
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Long-term Vision
The “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign aims to revive the culture of endowment as a tool of development and sustainable charity, and a way to support the global endeavour to eradicate hunger in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The launch of the largest Ramadan sustainable food aid endowment fund, which aims to provide a food safety net for underprivileged communities, represents the UAE’s long-term vision for charity and aid efforts, and its humanitarian philosophy based on sustainability, with human dignity at its core.
Contribution Channels
The “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign continues to welcome donations and contributions to the endowment fund from institutions and individuals across five main channels including the campaign’s website (www.1billionmeals.ae), as well as a dedicated call Centre via the toll free number (800 9999). Donations are also possible via bank transfers in the UAE dirham to the campaign bank account number with Emirates NBD (AE30 0260 0010 1533 3439 802). Donations via SMS give contributors the option to donate AED 1 daily through a monthly subscription, by sending the word “Meal” to 1020 for du users, or to 1110 for Etisalat by e & users. Those who wish to donate to the campaign through the DubaiNow app can do so by clicking on the “Donations” tab.
Building on Previous Successes
“1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign builds on the success of previous food aid drives launched under directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum over the past three years. “10 Million Meals” in Ramadan 2020, was the first and largest show of solidarity of its kind, supporting victims of the COVID-19 pandemic within the UAE. This was followed in Ramadan 2021 by “100 Million Meals” campaign which was the largest regional food support campaign spanning 20 countries in the Arab region, Africa and Asia. Last year’s “One Billion Meals” was the largest on its kind regionally, providing 1 billion meals in 50 countries and furthering the UAE’s contribution to the global effort to eradicate hunger.
Commitment
The campaign is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to its humanitarian role of extending help and aid to communities everywhere in their time of need. A practical example of the community’s long-held values of giving, compassion and solidarity, the campaign aligns with the UAE’s vision of institutionalising and sustaining charity work for the benefit of underprivileged communities, while at the same time, sends an open invitation for the world to join forces and work together towards achieving food security, as a key factor of social stability around the world.
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