ABU DHABI // Etihad Airways has raised more than Dh1 million for charitable causes in Yemen and Kenya.
The national airline raised approximately Dh1 million to support the Yemen: We Care campaign and has helped renovate two schools in Kenya as part of the company’s annual charity fund-raising, in cooperation with Emirates Red Crescent.
“As the UAE’s national airline, we are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to society and give back to those in need,” said Khaled Al Mehairbi, Etihad Airways’ senior vice president of government and aeropolitical affairs, who also serves as chairman of the sports and social committee.
“Collectively, we have given a glimmer of hope and the chance of a better future to our brothers and sisters in Yemen and Kenya.”
Charitable donations for Yemen were collected through initiatives including the donation of Etihad Guest Miles, an Etihad garage sale, and the Etihad football league.
Etihad staff contributed by donating school bags and stationery to Yemeni children and through cash donations at Emirates Red Crescent collection boxes.
The airline’s initiatives to support the Yemen: We Care campaign and Kenya are part of an earlier agreement between Etihad Airways and Emirates Red Crescent.
The donation was announced during the World Aviation Football Cup and the food and fashion festival, organised by the airline and held recently at Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi.
Twenty-eight international airlines and aviation groups participated.
Etihad Airways provided prizes consisting of a safari package to Kenya for the first winner and runner-up.
Entertainment at the event was provided by the UAE National Deaf Youth Orchestra, and also included performances by 2015 Arabs Got Talent winner Salah the Entertainer, X-Factor Middle East winner Hamza Hawaswi, American singer Dynasty, and a kids’ ballet show put on by Abu Dhabi-based Fusion Arts.
The event was attended by Khadija Issa Yusuf, Kenyan ambassador to the UAE, Etihad’s chief commercial officer Peter Baumgartner, and other dignitaries.
The two-day social event was held in collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Abu Dhabi media, along with a range of corporate partners.
In 2015, Etihad Airways was able to raise donations of Etihad Guest miles, relief goods and cash donations worth more than Dh3m.
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