Dubai, UAE; December 12, 2011: UAE-based philanthropic organisation, Dubai Cares, and global development and aid agency, Oxfam, revealed that the recent charity auction hosted by the Dubai International Film Festival and luxury Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen during the 8th edition of the Festival proved to be an overwhelming success, generating more than US$1 million. All proceeds from the auction, which featured an exciting array of treasured celebrity items and experiences, went to Dubai Cares and Oxfam.
 
The charity auction and gala dinner was held under the patronage of UN Messenger of Peace HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at the Armani Hotel in Dubai.

In addition to several local and regional Arab celebrities such as Emirati filmmaker Ali Mustafa, Egyptian film star Amr Waked and many others, the event was attended by a host of international celebrities including singer Ronan Keating who performed with his band, the Hollywood star Owen Wilson and Oxfam ambassadors Danish fashion model and photographer Helena Christensen, Indian actor and social activist Rahul Bose and VIPs from the UAE, Arab world and internationally.

Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares, said, “During the charity gala, members of the UAE community extended their generous support to the needy around the world – it was truly a testament to the spirit of philanthropy that exists here in the UAE. The money raised will support Dubai Cares primary education programmes that are currently reaching 5 million beneficiaries in 24 developing countries around the world, giving more children and their communities hope to turn their dreams into reality. We are grateful to HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, the Dubai International Film Festival and IWC Schaffhausen for providing this wonderful platform and to our donors for their support.”

Oxfam Chief Executive Dame Barbara Stocking, said, “We are delighted by the overwhelming success of this auction which has raised valuable funds for Oxfam’s life-changing work around the world; and are very grateful for the generosity shown by the people of the UAE. We sincerely appreciate the support extended to us by HRH Princess Haya, the Dubai International Film Festival, IWC Schaffhausen, and by the many celebrities and Oxfam ambassadors who have helped to make this auction such a wonderful event. We hope that this charity gala is the first of many such successful initiatives in the region.”    

One of the biggest attractions at the auction was a luxury IWC Swiss watch, designed especially for the charity gala, which was auctioned for US$ 85,000. A Pablo Picasso masterpiece ‘Bacchanale au Taureau’ also sold for US$ 50,000, as well as an outstanding artwork by an Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej which was auctioned for US$ 30,000. 

Among the unique celebrity items auctioned were two tickets to the world premiere of The Avengers, donated by Scarlett Johansson, in addition to an opportunity to meet Scarlett at the premiere. This fetched US$20,000. A stunning, handcrafted jewellery piece that was co-created by Livia Firth to wear to the Golden Globes, where husband Colin won the Best Actor award, was auctioned for US$25,000. This bespoke item has been created entirely from precious stones, set with over 400 black diamonds, rubies, purple spinels and South Sea pearls in 18ct white gold, and is ethically- and sustainably-sourced.

An exciting Alec Baldwin experience auctioned for as much as US$14,000. As part of the package, two people will be flown to New York to stay in a luxury hotel. They will later enjoy a private yoga class with Alec Baldwin, taught by his partner Hilaria Thomas at the Yoga Vida centre in New York.

The Varkey GEMS Foundation supported the evening by funding 10 schools in Pakistan, a contribution of US$300,000, while other supporters and buyers from the event confirmed funding 14 other schools. All donations for funding a total of 24 schools reached to US$710,000.

The Varkey GEMS Foundation is a not for profit education Foundation and is the philanthropic arm of GEMS Education, the largest kindergarten to grade 12 private education operator in the world. Spokesperson for the Varkey GEMS Foundation, Dino Varkey, said, “It was a privilege to support such a worthy cause. When an underprivileged child is provided with access to education it is not only the child itself that is positively impacted but his or her family and the broader community.”

DIFF Chairman Abdulhamid Juma, said, “It was wonderful to see the great response generated by this charity auction, which illustrates the genuine commitment of the people to make a difference to the lives of those less fortunate. With the proceeds of the auction going to the valuable work of Dubai Cares and Oxfam, everyone involved, especially the buyers, can be assured that every single dollar raised will be used to benefit someone in need.”    

Launched in September 2007 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Cares is a philanthropic organisation dedicated to improving children’s access to quality primary education in developing countries. Dubai Cares works in countries with chronic deficiencies in primary education and is currently reaching 5 million beneficiaries in 24 developing countries. Comprehensive in scope, the philanthropic organisation’s primary education programs integrate four key components: School Infrastructure; School Health & Nutrition; Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) in Schools; and Quality of Education.

Oxfam is an international confederation of 15 organisations (from Europe, North and Central America, Asia and Oceania) working in 98 countries around the world with partners and allies to find lasting solutions to poverty and injustice. It has been working in the Arab world for over thirty years.

Dubai-UAE: – Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF), mandated to supervise ‘awqaf’ and the well-being of minors, today announced it has contributed AED300,000 to Beit Al Khair Society that seeks to raise funds for disadvantaged UAE nationals.

This initiative is part of AMAF’s efforts to fulfil its commitment towards the community and promote cooperation and coordination amongst charitable institutions inside and beyond the UAE.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between His Excellency Tayeb Abdul Rahman Al-Rais, Secretary-General of the AMAF, and His Excellency Abdeen Taher Al-Awadi, General Manager of Beit Al Khair Society, at the AMAF headquarters.

Beit Al Khair Society will utilise AED300,000 received from AMAF to fulfil the lesser privileged community’s needs across several domains including health and education.

His Excellency Tayeb Abdel Rahman Al-Rais said: “AMAF will work to raise the value of its contribution to charitable institutions and assist them in delivering projects that help deserving families overcome their problems and move towards a better life.”

His Excellency Abdeen Taher said: “Since its inception, the Beit Al Khair Society aims to benefit underprivileged families through the provision of a holistic series of projects. Our initiatives support and serve the deprived members of the community including widows, divorcees, low-income patients, families of prison inmates, those affected by insolvency of others, defaulting insolvents, debtors, as well as special needs individuals and orphans.

“I appreciate AMAF for its gesture in supporting us to serve the community and their constant endeavour in working towards the betterment of the society. I am privileged to partner with an organisation such as the AMAF that displays the spirit of social responsibility. Together, we hope to lend a helping hand to the deserving across the UAE.”

Since its inception in September 2004, Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) manages and invests funds through an Islamic perspective in full Sharia compliance, in addition to caring and empowering minors.

Spread the word for a worthy cause!

Dubai, UAE – 21st November 2011 – SolidariTea Arabia announces the fun ParTea event, which takes place on 30th November 2011 at Mini Monsters on Sheikh Zayed Road. The goal is to help raise $25,000 for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, for the building of an activity playroom as part of the new Pediatric Cancer Wing of Al Hussein Hospital in Beit Jalla, near Bethlehem.

The free and fun-filled day at Dubai’s largest indoor softplay area welcomes children and parents to help raise money for a great cause. Together with sessions for children from the age of 1 and above, SolidariTea Arabia will also host a 20 minute “Move & Groove” dance class. All visitors will have the opportunity to browse the ParTea souq where mumpreneurs will showcase a selection of handmade products while at the event.

Kellie Whitehead and Theresa Tsui, Co-founders of SolidariTea Arabia say: “We are delighted to bring the families of Dubai together at Mini Monsters and provide an opportunity to socialize, make new friends, and spend quality time together whilst raising awareness of the amazing work of the PCRF. The vision of SolidariTea Arabia is to create relevant, fun-themed events that match the cause that we are supporting. What better way to help build a hospital playroom than by hosting Dubai’s biggest playdate! Our generous sponsors have made it possible to offer the play sessions at our ‘ParTea’ for free, which ensures we can raise as much awareness for the PCRF project as we possibly can”.

Dubai-UAE:– Rosa Areosa, a UAE resident, Portuguese speaking mother and housewife, born in South Africa, will walk 7 marathons in 7 days across the 7 Emirates of the UAE to raise funds to support the valiant efforts of the Maria Cristina Foundation. The ‘777 Challenge’, a walk for charity, will begin on 26 November 2011 and will end on 2 December 2011 - the UAE’s National Day - in Abu Dhabi, the capital and heart of a land filled with opportunity.

Rosa Areosa together with UAE resident philanthropist Maria Conceicao, Founder of the Maria Cristina Foundation, will walk 42 kilometres each day for 7 days, totalling 294 kilometres by the end of the 777 walk for charity.

Maria has been working tirelessly to help less fortunate individuals from Bangladesh overcome poverty. She has enrolled five talented children into two generous schools run by Taaleem and GEMS. In addition, she has helped two young boys that joined her first foundation seven years ago at the age of 12, to secure jobs with Emirates Airlines. The funds raised from the 777 walk for charity will go towards helping children turning 18 years old so as to start their careers and reproduce the success cases of the new Emirates recruits.

Rosa Areosa, said: “I heard about Maria and all that she was doing about four years ago and I have always wanted to contribute to her efforts. In May 2011, after a speech delivered by Maria at my eldest daughter’s graduation ceremony, I decided I needed to help and do something that could benefit the wonderful work being done by the Maria Cristina Foundation. I have a passion for walking and my dream has long been to walk across the seven Emirates of the UAE. I decided I would walk through the 7 Emirates in order to raise awareness and funds for the charity. Teaming up with Maria and the Maria Cristina Foundation for the ‘777 Challenge’, which will end on the UAE’s National Day, is the perfect way for me to accomplish my dreams and contribute to a noble cause on the biggest day for the UAE.”

The 777 walk for charity will begin in Al Ain on Saturday, 26 November, and will proceed into Fujairah on Sunday, 27 November. Rosa and Maria will then walk through Ras Al Khaimah on Monday, 28 November, and go right through Ras Al Khaiman on to Umm Al Quwain on Tuesday, 29 November. Ajman and Sharjah will be the next two Emirates they journey across on Wednesday, 30 November, followed by Dubai on Thursday, 1 December. The ‘777 Challenge’ will then proceed into Abu Dhabi, where it will end on Friday, 2 December 2011, with the team joining in the celebrations and festivities of the UAE’s National Day.

The Maria Cristina Foundation has been on a quest to gradually eradicate the world of poverty. Maria Conceicao has trained vigorously, walking down Jumeirah beach road pulling tyres and training herself for significant challenges, which she has met to raise funds for her charity. Among the challenges she has undertaken, the most significant has been an unaided walk to the North Pole and a successful climb to the summit of Mount Elbrus.

“I worked on a 777 airplane when I first arrived in the UAE,” said Maria. “Now I will be participating in a 777 walk for charity to fight poverty. I feel so blessed to see how far we have come. The UAE is such a rich country full of promise and opportunity. The Maria Cristina Foundation has gained support from several individuals and organizations to help us in our mission to rid the world of poverty. Up and Running and Centre for Musical Arts have been extremely supportive and have volunteered to sponsor part of our walk. We would also like to invite anyone who is interested in joining our cause to come and walk with us.”

Students, parents and individuals from each Emirate are invited to participate in a 3 Kilometre walk in their respective Emirates. They are also invited to continue to participate further with Rosa and Maria. For further information on the 777 walk for charity, please visit www.mariacristinafoundation.org.

The Maria Cristina Foundation is on a quest to unlock and maximize human potential in developing countries. The foundation is involved in several current and planned projects, including MC Foundation Recruitment Institute, MC Foundation Community Project, MC Foundation School to School Projects and MC Foundation Community Health Program. To support the foundation you can visit www.mariachristinafoundation.org.

Dubai Municipality, Emirates National Oil Company and TNT Express UAE on Sunday have jointly launched Dubai’s recycling initiative, Tadweer. The drive is aimed at encouraging the public to donate their used laptops, which will be recycled, refurbished and donated to educational, social and charitable institutions, while also contributing to the charity initiatives in line with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Foundation.

The campaign will continue for 8 to 12 months with more collection points to be opened at ENOC/EPPCO stations in due course.

Tadweer was launched on Sunday in partnership with TNT Express UAE in Dubai attended by His Excellency Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd, UAE Minister of Environment & Water, Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General, Dubai Municipality, Saeed Abdullah Khoory, ENOC’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Pell, Country General Manager of TNT Express UAE and other dignitaries from the government and private sector.

HE. Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd said the UAE is taking several concerted initiatives to promote sustainable development with a focus on involving private sector organisations and the public at large. ENOC’s Tadweer programme will be a strong value addition to our efforts, while also contributing to the welfare of the economically disadvantaged students. We urge more corporate organisations and individuals to step forward and partner in green programmes that will help our nation to promote environmental sustainability.

Lootah said Dubai Municipality is the recycling partner of the initiative, whereby all the laptops sourced through collection boxes located at 10 ENOC/EPPCO stations in Dubai will be formatted, fixed and refurbished at its PC Refurbishment Centre for distribution to charity organisations or welfare institutes. Members of the public can contribute second-hand, damaged or discarded laptops.

Pell commented: “We are very pleased to support the Tadweer project with our transportation network and logistics expertise to deliver the laptops. The company demonstrates its commitment to the community service in every way possible, and we consider ourselves an active part of the society.”

The operational aspect of the campaign is simple: People who wish to donate their used laptop can visit any of the ten participating ENOC/EPPCO retail station and collect branded sleeves to place the laptop. The laptops will be collected from the collection points every week by TNT. The refurbished laptops will be distributed as per the specifications of Dubai Municipality to welfare schools, educational institutes or NGOs.

Company’s support reflects long standing commitments towards charity and voluntary initiatives in UAE

October 12, 2011

Al Ansari Exchange, the UAE’s largest exchange house network that provides worldwide remittance and foreign exchange services, has revealed its donation of a school bus to the Safe Center for Exceptional Abilities (SCEA), a non-profit organization established to help children with Asperger’s Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism. The initiative complements the company’s role in serving the community and helping those involved in the development and rehabilitation of exceptional abilities in the country.

“The SCEA provides a comprehensive program of specialized education to help children with Asperger’s syndrome and High Functioning Autism along with its associated difficulties. Our programs include key therapy services in speech, occupational, behaviour, music and play,” said Mahboba Yousef, Director, SCEA. “We would like to express our genuine gratitude to Al Ansari Exchange for its School Bus donation. The continuous support rendered by leading organizations like Al Ansari Exchange plays an important part in developing the center and providing children with autism and Asperger’s syndrome with early intervention and offer them the appropriate therapy that can help them integrate into society.”

“Our school bus donation reflects the company’s long standing commitment towards charity and voluntary initiatives in the UAE. It will surely help SCEA in meeting its objectives of helping the students realize their full potential and play a key role in society”, said Rashed Ali Al Ansari, General Manager of Al Ansari Exchange. “We are more than eager to extend this donation to the centre as it demonstrates our long standing promise to support individuals with exceptional abilities and ensure their right in education, rehabilitation, medicine and all that brings them social stability like other members of our society.”

UAE Down Syndrome Association (UAEDSA) in partnership with Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, Traders Hotel, Dubai and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club announced today that they are joining forces with the event main sponsor Trimex to host the UAE Down Syndrome Charity Golf Day.  The event will take place on 29th October 2011 at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, with an evening fundraising gala dinner to be held at Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai.

The event is organized by the UAEDSA with its partners to raise awareness about Down Syndrome in the UAE and to increase the profile of the UAE DSA in the local community.

Speaking about the charity golf day, Mustafa Al Hashimi, Club Manager, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, said: “We are honoured to be able to help raise awareness about Down Syndrome by being the host venue for the first ever UAE DSA Charity Golf Day. I commend the job that the UAE Down Syndrome Association in Dubai is doing in order to help children and their families manage with day to day challenges facing this special condition and providing them with an opportunity to play their unique role in society. We and our partners are working as a team with UAE DSA to make this a memorable day.”

Believing that the UAEDSA is making a positive difference in the community TRIMEX became the main sponsor of the event and is committed to a socially responsible approach to its global business practices.

“We are proud to support this important mission because – like the UAE DSA – we believe in the power of human potential and the ability of individuals to lead inspiring lives,” said Trimex’s head of corporate communications, Mashael Al Naimi. “Creating a better community for everyone – including those with Down Syndrome – is a positive goal we wish to assist in bringing to fruition.”

The event will culminate in an exciting gala evening at Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai. All participants and partners will attend along with sponsors, with the aim to raise additional funds for the UAE DSA with an auction at the end of the evening.

“Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai and Traders Hotel, Dubai, are delighted to be hosting the gala dinner for this worthwhile event. Under the umbrella of sustainability, Shangri-La’s social responsibility program consists of two elements – embrace and sanctuary. Embrace focuses on Shangri-La’s Caring People Project, which aims to promote the highest level of education and health support in local communities and we hope that this initiative is a major step forward in supporting this essential Association in the UAE,” said Bernhard Haechler, General Manager and Vice President, Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai.

The UAEDSA board member and head of the organizing committee for the event, Abdullah Obaidullah, said: “This event is unique because many members of the community across all sectors came together to make a positive difference. We were overwhelmed by the amount of support and interest we have. We have achieved a major objective of this event by raising awareness about Down Syndrome and what the UAE DSA is doing to improve the quality of life for people with Down Syndrome. In addition to the people here I would like to thank Dubai Duty Free, Wade Adams Contracting, Gulf Eternit, and Etisalat, and all who helped us in this worthy cause.”

For more information, please contact Mr Obaidullah on +971-50-625-0949 or email emiratesdsa@gmail.com.

KSA, : For the fourth consecutive year, Coca-Cola Middle East has tied up with Ensan, the Saudi Charity committee for Orphans Care, dedicating 10% from the consumer price of all Coca-Cola family size packages sold during the holy month to Ensan. Coca-Cola Middle East aims to generate a feeling of sharing, togetherness and acceptance amongst people and inviting them to join their efforts in providing happiness to children.

HRH Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, Chairman of the organization has been actively involved with Ensan and has continuously supported Coca-Cola’s efforts in dedicating part of its sales returns for orphans in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Abdullah Al Aarak, Assistant General Manager at Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Saudi Arabia said, “At Coca-Cola Saudi Arabia, it has always been part of our on-going commitment to support our local community. The holy month of Ramadan is a time where we celebrate with our consumers and work together towards actively supporting the well-being of orphans while also celebrating the spirit of giving.”

“Ensan provides care and support to orphans and their families with the generous support of HRH Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, as well as from organizations such as The Coca-Cola Company, who have shown immense support for the Ensan cause. The proceeds from the Coca-Cola campaign will be used for the betterment of the orphans. We highly appreciate Coca-Cola’s ongoing support and commitment to our organization over the last few years,” said Abdullah Al Shehri, Public Relations Manager of Ensan.

HRH received a cheque on behalf of Ensan,from Coca-Cola, for the amount of 750,000 Saudi Riyals after having the Coca-Cola Marketing campaign completed.

“The partnership between Coca-Cola and Ensan dedicated to spreading happiness and joy among unprivileged children, and has continued for the fourth consecutive year. With proceeds from the previous years’ campaign, we were able to bring a smile to the faces of the orphans and make Ramadan a month that will be remembered for the rest of the year. This year, we have continued the same, spreading the Coca-Cola Ramadan spirit of celebration among children,” commented Antoine Tayyar, Public Affairs and Communications Director, Coca-Cola Middle East.

The Coca-Cola initiative this year was in line with its Ramadan campaign, dedicated towards spreading happiness, positivity and optimism into the lives of orphans and Coca-Cola fans alike.

Al Rabie Saudi Foods officials visit patients of Naqaha & Iman Hospital as part of its “Purification” campaign

Jeddah, September 20, 2011: Several Saudi companies have stepped up their humanitarian efforts during the holy month of Ramadan by helping the needy in various sectors of society, including hospital patients, children with disabilities and autistic children. Further, various companies, businessmen and charitable institutions continue to serve those in need and support projects that directly benefit them. Al Rabie Saudi Foods leads the list of Saudi companies that have adopted such initiatives, through its Department of Communications, Public Relations and Social Activities. Company representatives recently paid a visit to patients of Naqaha & Iman Hospital in Riyadh, as part of its campaign titled “Tohour b izn Allah” - “Purification, God willing”.

This initiative stems from the goal of the company executives to promote interaction with all members of society, without exception, in line with its CSR programs. Abdul Mohsen Abu Harba, Director of the Communications, Public Relations and Social Activities department at Al Rabie Saudi Foods, emphasized the company’s eagerness to provide aid and also support various social and charitable activities in the Kingdom.

“Based on our commitment to step up CSR initiatives and benevolence in the holy month of Ramadan, we visited patients of Naqaha & Iman Hospital in Al Riyadh, as part of our “Tohour b izn Allah”- ‘Purification, God willing’ campaign. We have always strived to implement our strategy to contribute actively and effectively towards various charities and charitable causes. The recent hospital visit is not the first, as we have regularly conducted such visits, and we have worked hard to launch charitable and social initiatives that benefit all segments of the Saudi society,” said Abdul Mohsen Abu Harba.

During the visit, the company presented flower bouquets, gifts and products of Al Rabie Saudi Foods to hospital employees and patients, who appreciated the gesture and wished the company further progress and success.

OFFICIA SELECTION

Looking to make a difference to the lives of millions, September 3, 2011 saw the Swiss Red Cross Gala Auction make its annual appearance, with the intention of raising a substantial amount of money to pursue its charitable ambitions. Hosted at the Dolder Grand in Zurich, Rami Al Ali took his place amongst an international crowd of business elite and socialites to show his utmost support, highlighted with the donation of a gown from his latest Couture collection, as a contribution to the outstanding array of articles to be auctioned.

This striking gown was recently showcased in Rome, during Al Ali’s Autumn Winter 2011/12 Couture collection show. A strapless, full-length, floor-sweeping style, with a draped and intricately beaded front, Al Ali hoped that this dress would accumulate high interest, so was thrilled to witness a bidding war resulting in the gown raising an impressive 3,100 Swiss Francs (approximately Dhs14,430) for the charity. The winner of the dress further benefitted from a full Couture service, with the dress being tailored to fit their contours perfectly. Al Ali was in high spirits post-event, talking about the charity he said, “I feel privileged to have contributed to such a worthy cause, I really respect the objectives of the Red Cross organisation”.

Founded in 1866 in Bern, Switzerland, the Swiss Red Cross is one of the oldest humanitarian organisations to date. Having been a prominent support during both first and second world wars, providing blood donations and medical training, the Swiss Red Cross made a further international impact throughout Europe and Russia, with its involvement in medical care and food donations to those in need. In today’s society the Swiss Red Cross is recognised within the Red Cross movement as being one of the most dynamic national organisations on the international scene.

The Swiss Red Cross’ mission is to serve those who need care and assistance, regardless of their race, nationality, religion or beliefs. As a private humanitarian organisation, it is crucial that the Red Cross sources as much funding as possible, to pursue this mission with full force. Al Ali was honoured to be part of such a prestigious and admirable event, with the opportunity to support and contribute to their cause.