Abu Dhabi: An initiative titled ‘Wanna Read’ will build six reading libraries for children in hospitals across the UAE.
Over Dh400,000 was raised in a silent auction of rare artefacts, jewellery and paintings during a gala fundraiser at the Ritz Carlton on Friday.
“I am very grateful for the support ‘Wanna Read’ has received and I am excited by our plans for the future,” said Shaikha Shamma Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan.
A division of the Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Foundation ‘Wanna Read’ was founded by Shaikha Shamma in 2013 under the philosophy ‘Healing through Reading.’
The non-profit organization creates warm, friendly and stimulating environments in hospitals across the UAE to help children through their healing and rehabilitation process.
There are already seven ‘Wanna Read’ libraries.
The fundraiser was attended by Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Shaikha Shaikha Bint Saif Al Nahyan, Shaikha Lubna Bint Khaled Al Qasimi and other dignitaries and ruling family members. The keynote address was delivered by Becky Anderson, managing editor and anchor at CNN Abu Dhabi.
The event organised and managed by Plan B, the initiative’s official event and marketing partners, rolled out a fairytale event themed around the timeless classic Alice in Wonderland.
Speaking to XPRESS, Harmeek Singh, founder of Plan B, said his company will work hand in hand with ‘Wanna Read’ towards establishing long-term funding plans to ensure that children are consistently encouraged to adopt a healthy reading habit.
“With this noble initiative we are looking ahead to nurture the younger population of the nation to become a successful, empathetic, and healthy generation of adults.”
He said interactive libraries will be set up in the children’s wards of hospitals, and regular reading sessions will be conducted to make children’s stay at hospitals more relaxing and also help them through their healing.
