Lulu Group chairman Yusuff Ali hailed the campaign and said that the UAE is always at the forefront of humanitarian efforts…reports Asian Lite News
Yusuff Ali M.A, Chairman of Lulu Group International, announced a contribution of AED 10 million over a period of 5 years to the “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to establish the largest Ramadan sustainable food aid endowment fund.
Organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign aims to create sustainable solutions and implement effective programs to fight hunger and support underprivileged populations around the world.
Yusuffali MA said, “The contribution to the ‘1 Billion Meals Endowment’ campaign is a reflection of my commitment to support all charity efforts that strengthen the UAE’s reputation as a global hub for humanitarian efforts.
“I am honoured to contribute to the campaign and help provide food and support those in need. The UAE is always at the forefront of humanitarian efforts.”
This year’s campaign is an extension of previous food aid drives, launched under directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum over the past few years, starting with “10 Million Meals”, followed by “100 Million Meals” and later “1 Billion Meals” in Ramadan 2022.
“1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign aims to provide a food safety net for underprivileged populations in countries struggling with food insecurity. These efforts will help fight hunger and malnutrition, especially among victims of crises and natural disasters.
On the other hand, the campaign offers individuals, businesses, businessmen and influential philanthropists new ways to donate and make a difference, further promoting the culture of endowment as a traditionally rooted tool of development, and an investment for the future.
Record collection
The campaign, has so far recorded AED 247 million, one week after its launch. The campaign received donations from 13,220 major contributors, individuals, businesses and public and private sector players.
Among those, 13,195 contributors donated via smart channels.
The campaign is a practical example of the UAE’s long-held values of giving and generosity, and a community-wide response to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s call for aiding those in need.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, said: “The “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for sustaining charitable efforts, opening the door for everyone hoping to make a lasting impact. On the other hand, the remarkable response we see across the UAE community is a reflection of its long-held values of giving and generosity, and a testament of its moral sense of responsibility towards the global efforts to eradicate hunger around the world.”
“The campaign paves the way for a new concept of charitable work that is sustainable and impactful in a way that meets the specific needs of underprivileged populations. The food aid endowment fund created under the campaign is a key milestone in UAE’s humanitarian efforts.
“Our community’s race to contribute, with 13,220 contributors donating AED 247 million in one week only, is not new to our community. We are confident that the next days will see more contributions to the endowment fund,” he concluded.
Organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign aims to create sustainable solutions and implement effective programmes to fight and eradicate hunger, and support vulnerable groups around the world.
Donation Channels
The “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign welcomes donations and contributions to the endowment fund from institutions and individuals across five main channels including the campaign’s website (www.1billionmeals.ae), as well as a dedicated call centre via the toll-free number (800 9999).
Donations are also possible via bank transfers in the UAE dirham to the campaign bank account number with Emirates NBD (AE30 0260 0010 1533 3439 802). Donations via SMS give contributors the option to donate AED 1 daily through a monthly subscription, by sending the word “Meal” to 1020 for du users, or to 1110 for Etisalat by e& users. Those who wish to donate to the campaign through the DubaiNow app can do so by clicking on the “Donations” tab.
