AR
UR
UAE businessman Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has announced to donate Dh10 million to the ‘1 Billion Meals’ initiative started by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) at the beginning of Ramadan.
The donation drive is one of the largest of its kind initiative in the region. It is being organised in collaboration with the United Nation’s World Food Programme (WFP) with the aim of providing food support to the underprivileged and undernourished sections of society, particularly children, refugees, displaced communities and people affected by natural disasters and crises.
Food for the underprivileged
Al Habtoor's significant contribution to helping the needy will provide food packets to underprivileged communities in 50 countries in partnership with Al Habtoor Group. The group will work in coordination with MBRGI and other relevant agencies involved in the initiative including 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, and local charity institutions in beneficiary countries.
Reflection of philanthropic value
Since the beginning of the initiative, various companies in both government and private sectors have sent their donations for the ‘1 Billion Meals’ programme. The project has been ensuring a food safety net for vulnerable groups in countries across the world, thereby reflecting the moral responsibility and humanitarian commitment of the UAE and its leadership.
The initiative has benefitted from broad public engagement as individuals from all sections of society and age groups have willingly donated to the initiative.
Pioneer in humanitarian work
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, founding chairman, Al Habtoor Group, underlined the duty to help eliminate social evils such as hunger and help the needy communities. He further hailed the UAE under the leadership of Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai for setting a noble example by implementing philanthropic principles ingrained in the community by fathers and grandfathers with dedication. The Group has been investing in several good causes for the greater good of the community and humanity without differentiating between the nationality and religion of the beneficiaries.
"I am grateful for my ability to contribute to the ‘1 Billion Meals’ initiative organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. Every little effort brings us closer to achieving the target of ‘1 Billion Meals’. We must all actively contribute to this national mission in gratitude to God Almighty for all the goodness he has bestowed on us," he added.
SOURCE: Gulf News