Box Appeal for labourers aims for 15,000 donations this year

ABU DHABI // The popular charity drive The Box Appeal is back for its sixth straight year and it has expanded its reach to more countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

The appeal that encourages people to fill a box with everyday items that is then given to labourers launches on September 1 and runs until October 31.

This year will see the appeal expand into Jordan and Lebanon, in addition to the existing countries of the UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. In total, 15 Radisson Blu, Radisson Royal and Park Inn by Radisson hotels will be encouraging the public across the Middle East and North Africa to get involved with supporting humanitarian charities.

The hotel chain, which devised the appeal, is hoping to beat last year's total of 13,000 donation boxes with a target of 15,000 this year.

Mark Willis, area vice president of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, which operates the hotels involved in the drive, said: "We are appreciative of the continued backing from local companies and our sponsors, and we are confident that with the each community's support, the 2013 campaign will build on the success of last year's efforts, particularly in our new territories of Lebanon and Jordan."

The initiative was launched in 2008 and gained great awareness and generous donations, which is reflected in the increasing number of hotels wanting to participate from across the Mena region, Mr Willis said.

Those who wish to take part the programme can pick up a box, free of charge, from any participating Radisson Blu or Park Inn by Radisson hotel, and return it filled with the predetermined selection of household items.

The hotels in each region will then distribute the boxes, working in conjunction with locally based charities, to those in need of support.

The charities working with The Box Appeal 2013 campaign includes Red Crescent and UAE Red Crescent, I Love Qatar (Doha), Teach a Child (Beirut), I- Care initiative (Oman).

For a full list of locations of where people can pick up boxes from, visit www.facebook.com/theboxappeal