Dozens of schools, businesses and government organisations across the UAE are supporting the country's One Billion Meals initiative.
The largest food donation campaign in the region, organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), has pledged to provide one billion meals to people in need in 50 countries.
About 76 million meals were paid for by donations in its first week, and now a new crowdfunding effort is setting out to raise more.
The Giving Challenge is a partnership with crowdfunding platform YallaGive. It is intended to bring together 105 government entities, companies, schools, individuals and educational institutions with a common goal of helping those less fortunate.
The One Billion Meals scheme was launched in line with the generous values of Ramadan in mind, but will extend beyond the holy month if necessary reach its target.
The Giving Challenge will set each organisation a goal of raising as much as possible inspired by friendly competition to drive their fund-raising totals up.
Working together to fight global hunger
YallaGive, a smart digital platform, allows each institution or company to set a fund-raising goal.
Dubai Airports and Zayed University, for example, each aim to raise Dh200,000.
Dr Abdulla Al Karam, director general of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai's private education regulator, spoke of his pride at schools making a difference in the lives of people across the world.
“The education community in Dubai is known for its generosity and its willingness to come together to help others,” he said.
“We know from experience that we can make a significant positive impact when we work towards a common goal. We’re proud to take part in an initiative that will be of long-lasting benefit to the lives of others, and to be able to accomplish this with our education community.”
His sentiments were echoed by Professor Clayton MacKenzie, provost and chief academic officer at Zayed University.
“Kindness and supporting the global community is a deep-rooted trait of the UAE that stems from the values of UAE Founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He was a symbol of love, generosity, and tolerance, and as an academic institution that is named after a visionary humanitarian, we aim to continue to honour his legacy.”
Majed Al Joker, chief operating officer at Dubai Airports, also supported the humanitarian campaign.
“Dubai Airports is proud to be a part of the UAE’s One Billion Meals initiative. Helping the communities we serve is one of our key values, and we’re extending our support to this worthy cause, together with our colleagues, partners and guests,” he said.
The One Billion Meals initiative works in co-ordination with the UN’s World Food Programme, the Food Banking Regional Network, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, the UAE Food Bank and charity organisations in the beneficiary countries.
When allocating meals, special emphasis is placed on vulnerable groups, such as children, refugees and displaced people, and victims of disasters.
Last week, UAE authorities started distributing food packets in Lebanon, India, Jordan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan under the campaign.
How to donate
The One Billion Meals campaign website has details of several options for donors.
Money can be pledged online, either monthly or by a one-off donation. People can donate by SMS message through Etisalat or du, or money can be sent by bank transfer.
For big monetary donations and related enquiries, the campaign’s team can be contacted on 800 9999.
