Dubai: Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of the UAE-based Burjeel Holdings, announced his contribution of Dh10 million in support of the “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign, which aims to launch the largest Ramadan food aid endowment fund to sustainably support underprivileged populations around the world.
Dr. Vayalil pledged to contribute the sum over a period of five years to help support the campaign’s objectives of fighting hunger and providing a food safety net to tens of millions of people.
Organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the campaign welcomes the contributions of individuals, institutions and businesses, and represents a major shift in humanitarian work by adopting a model based on group contributions and long-term planning.
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil said: “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, is a bright example of global charitable and humanitarian efforts, as it aims to provide a sustainable food safety net within an institutional framework.
“I am honoured to be among the contributors to this endeavour to fight hunger and support underprivileged populations around the world. A food aid endowment fund is a great humanitarian initiative from a country that has become known for its values of giving and generosity, and for its exceptional Ramadan food drives that provide food to tens of millions of people across the globe,” he added.
Donation channels
The “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign welcomes 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 center 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 Dh1 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.
Other donations
On Tuesday, Danube Group announced a contribution of Dh5 million in support of the “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign, adding to contributions made by individuals, institutions, businesses and charity associations.
Smart app
Meanwhile, Careem has said users of the Careem app will now be able to donate Dh3 towards “1 Billion Meals Endowment” by choosing “Ramadan Car” every time they book a ride through the app. Careem app users in the UAE will also be able to donate any amount when ordering food, through a special feature in the Careem app.
Mudassir Sheikha, CEO and Co-Founder, Careem, said: “We have a responsibility towards underprivileged communities, and it is a great opportunity to enable our customers to participate and pay it forward during the holy month of Ramadan through the campaign, which embodies the UAE’s humanitarian mission.”
