Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES- Concerns about the plight of children in Somalia drove employees of UAE-based Al Ghurair, a diversified conglomerate with over 40 years of expertise in foods, resources, retail, construction, education, energy, properties and printing to support UNICEF’s relief efforts in the famine-stricken country. In addition to financial assistance, donations including food will be distributed to the people of Somalia.
A cheque of the donations raised through this campaign was handed over to UNICEF in a ceremony attended by Dr. Ibrahim El Ziq, UNICEF representative for the Gulf Area Office, and various senior representatives from Al Ghurair including the Group Vice President Human Resource Fahd Malek, Head of Strategic Planning Sohail Gondal and Group Communications Manager Sameera Fernandes.
In addition to financial assistance to UNICEF, the food division of Al Ghurair has also partnered with some of their customers to distribute basic food items such as flour, edible oils and pulses to the famine-affected regions. These customers have volunteered to transport these food items for free. Relief organizations will then distribute them in southern Somalia.
Essa Al Ghurair, Vice-Chairman, Al Ghurair stated: “Al Ghurair in line with its values once again felt the need to act immediately and decisively to play its part as a responsible and humane corporate entity to provide relief towards one of the most tragic events in the recent history of mankind. Over 7000 employees across Al Ghurair came forward to contribute (most of them a full day’s pay) towards the Somalia Relief Campaign and I am proud to say that we received an overwhelming response.”
He also added: “We are very grateful to our employees for their generous contribution towards this cause and I take this opportunity to thank them sincerely. Al Ghurair will always stand ready to make its humble contribution in similar situations, God forbid, should they arise again.”
“The crisis in the Horn of Africa is far from over,” said Dr. Ibrahim El Ziq, UNICEF Representative in the Gulf Area Office. “UNICEF urges donors to dig even further in their pockets and help save children’s lives. We are glad that Al Ghurair is stepping up to the plate and joining hands with us for such a noble cause.”
