Coronavirus: application period extended for Abu Dhabi food drive

The fund is open to residents in need across the emirate

The 'Together We Are Good' initiative is tapping into the goodwill shown by the public, such as this recent food drive by Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Kerala Muslim Cultural CentreShow less

Families counting the cost of the coronavirus pandemic are being urged to grasp a vital lifeline after the application period for a major Abu Dhabi food drive was extended until the end of Ramadan.

Residents who have lost out on crucial income due to the damaging financial impact of Covid-19 are eligible for aid under the initiative rolled out by the emirate’s Authority of Social Contribution, or ‘Ma’an.

The humanitarian scheme has been funded by donations pledged by members of the public through the authority’s ‘Together We are Good’ campaign.

It is being operated in partnership with Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority.

The deadline for applications has been extended from the end of April to cover the entire holy month.

About 100,000 food baskets will be provided to those in need, with deliveries set to begin on May 1.

“Individuals, couples or families most affected and those who meet the conditions have until the end of Ramadan to apply for support if their income is not enough to meet basic requirements and they are either a UAE citizen or resident living in Abu Dhabi,” said a spokesman for the scheme.

“Working in partnership with Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, eligible applicants will be provided with baskets of high quality, nutritious and healthy essential food and kitchen cupboard items including rice, pasta, dates, beans, tea, jam and noodles. For those with young children, baby supplies will also be provided.”

To qualify for support, applicants must be resident in Abu Dhabi, and have lost some or all of their income temporarily, such as through unpaid leave. They should not have previously received support from any other government agency.

Applications could be made by calling the toll-free helpline 800-3088 and by visiting togetherwearegood.ae.

The support would run every month for three months, and be dependent on the number of family members, said Ma’an.

Earlier this month, a number of Emirati tribes pledged donations to the intitiative.

Those who wish to contribute financially to the fund can send SMS messages to 6670 (Dh1000), 6678 (Dh500), 6683 (Dh100) and 6658 (Dh50). They can also call 8005-MAAN for volunteering and financial contributions above Dh1,000.