The UAE's humanitarian drive to deliver 100 million meals to needy people across the region is fast approaching its lofty goal.
More than Dh86.8 million has been donated since the 100 Million Meals campaign was launched on Sunday, April 11, beforeRamadan.
Every Dh1 donated helps to provide one meal in one of 20 countries across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the initiative would offer crucial assistance to the 52 million people in the Middle East and North Africa region who are undernourished.
"We will work with humanitarian associations, companies, businessmen and philanthropists in the UAE to send 100 million messages of goodness and love to the needy and the poor in the month of goodness," he said on Twitter.
"Distributing food is the best thing to do to bring us close to the month of fasting."
A website set up for the campaign allows people to donate as little as Dh10 to fund 10 meals, rising to Dh500 or more.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, which organised the 100 Million Meals campaign, joinedinternational and local partners in each beneficiary country to deliver the parcels.
Poor families, refugees, orphans and widows in Jordan, Egypt and Pakistan started receiving ingredients that will help them to prepare meals throughout the holy month.
Donations poured in from far and wide, from businesses and high-profile figures to caring members of the public, to provide help where it is needed most.
How to serve up support
UAE residents and citizens can donate through the phone providers Etisalat and Du.
To donate, text the word “meal” to the following numbers:
1034 for a Dh10 contribution
1035 for a Dh50 contribution
1036 for a Dh100 contribution
1037 for a Dh300 contribution
1038 for a Dh500 contribution
Larger donations can be made via the campaign’s call centre on 800 4999.
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