Dubai: Dubai Duty Free has announced a donation of Dh5 million, through its foundation, to the ‘1 Billion Meals’ initiative.
Organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the campaign provides food support to the underprivileged in 50 countries, especially vulnerable groups such as children, refugees, displaced persons and those affected by disasters and crises.
Dubai Duty Free, whose donation is equivalent to five million meals, is one of several UAE companies that are making a significant financial contribution to 1 Billion Meals, which is helping to alleviate the hunger experienced by 800 million people worldwide every day.
The initiative is providing direct access to food supplies to some of the most disadvantaged communities around the world, as is doing so in coordination with the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP), the Food Banking Regional Network (FBRN), the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment (MBRCH), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UAE Food Bank, as well as a number of charity and humanitarian organisations.
Year-on-year growth
The Dh5 million donation was approved by the board of the Dubai Duty Free Foundation, which was established in 2004 and is under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, with Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, as the foundation’s Chairman.
Commenting on the donation, McLoughlin said: “We are honoured to support the 1 Billion Meals initiative organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, which keeps on growing in scope year after year, reflecting the country’s relief and humanitarian aid priorities.”
He added: “Since we started the Dubai Duty Free Foundation in October 2004, we have been participating in worthy endeavours with several local and international charities and this great initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, represents an exceptional opportunity for Dubai Duty Free to celebrate and show its gratitude to the nation and its leadership that inspires and encourages people to help people in need.”
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Donation channels
Donors can contribute to the 1 Billion Meals initiative through the campaign’s official website; bank transfer to the campaign’s account at Emirates NBD, number: AE300260001015333439802. Donors can also opt to donate AED1 a day through a monthly subscription by sending “Meal” via SMS to 1020 on the du network or 1110 on the Etisalat network. Donations can also be made through campaign’s call centre via a toll-free number 8009999.
