Ramadan: more than 15 million meals donated to 10 Million Meals campaign

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said more than 100,000 volunteers took part in the project

Within two weeks of the 10 Million Meals campaign beginning, donations secured 14 million meals at a cost of Dh10 each. Courtesy: 10 Million Meals

More than 15 million meals have been donated to a Ramadan campaign spearheaded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed tweeted that the 10 Million Meals initiative had concluded having easily exceeded its target figure.

The project was launched to help those in the UAE on low incomes, especially individuals and families who had lost jobs due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

“Over 100,000 participants from 115 nationalities helped secure 15.3 million meals,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a tweet.

“More than 1,000 volunteers are working daily to distribute food. All segments of the UAE society united to help people in need.”

Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma, wife of Sheikh Mohammed and chair of the Board of Trustees of the UAE Food Bank, said the scheme had led to a remarkable response.

"The overwhelming response, even after the campaign had exceeded its target, indicates the powerful solidarity of the UAE society,” she said.

“At times of crisis, we witness the results of the values that are deeply rooted in our society as we succeed in uniting people from different cultures and nationalities to empower and bring happiness to one another."

The campaign, announced in April, called on the public and private sector, along with humanitarian organisations, to provide food parcels and financial donations to help those on low incomes throughout the holy month.

Online donations accounted for 1.4 million meals while there more than 770,000 meals provided by SMS donations.

Donations to the campaign’s call centre resulted in more than 700,000 meals and there were also 5.7 million meals provided by private companies and entrepreneurs. Assistance from humanitarian groups accounted for 6.8 million meals.

More than 1,000 volunteers pledged their support for the campaign, helping out by answering calls and distributing food.

One of the highlights of the initiative saw the Burj Khalifa being lit up with more than a million lights.

The iconic skyscraper was illuminated as part of the World’s Tallest Donation Box campaign. Companies and members of the public were able to buy lights on the tower from Dh10, helping raise money for the 10 Million Meals appeal.