VIDEO: UAE launches '10 million meals’ campaign to support virus-affected families

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, his wife Her Highness Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of UAE Food Bank, "10 million meals" campaign has been launched. It is the nation’s biggest food distribution drive to support low- income families and individuals affected by the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak across the UAE.

The nationwide campaign, which coincides with the approach of the Holy Month of Ramadan, enables the public, entities, companies, businessmen, entrepreneurs and philanthropists to make financial donation. The donation is geared towards purchasing cooked meals and food supplies or providing food items and parcels for distribution among hard-hit families and individuals in the challenging circumstances that left many unemployed and others with limited income.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) will oversee the campaign in collaboration with the Social Solidarity Fund Against Covid-19.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, the "10 million meal" campaign aims to reinforce social solidarity and cohesion in the UAE to enable us to emerge from the global crisis stronger.”

He added, “The public, private and humanitarian sectors are united today to empower our people to overcome the global crisis without leaving anyone behind.”

He reaffirmed that “Sheikha Hind’s compassion and humanitarian efforts make her a widely-admired and loved figure in our society. She will be the best to lead the humanitarian campaign during these challenging times.”

“Sheikha Hind will lead the noble cause of feeding the hungry throughout the Holy month of Ramadan in our nation, the nation of giving and peace.”

He noted, “Crises reveal the true values of people, entities and societies. The ongoing crisis has revealed our country’s authenticity and deeply-rooted spirit of giving.”

He said, “The ’10 million meals’ campaign complements the rest of the country’s humanitarian campaigns to ensure no one sleeps hungry or in need in the UAE.”

He added, “Providing food for everyone, especially with the approach of the Holy Month of Ramadan, is our priority during our battle against the pandemic.”

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum concluded, “The efforts of UAE’s humanitarian organizations have benefitted people across the world. Working as one team will make us stronger.”

Extending appreciation, Her Highness Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, said “Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid’s directives to launch the campaign reflects part of his long and ongoing inspirational humanitarian journey.”

She added, “The ’10 million meals’ campaign serves a noble cause that captures our society’s authenticity and humanity, especially in times of crisis.”

She reaffirmed, “The UAE has demonstrated resilience and generosity during crises. Feeding the hungry throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan allows us to practice compassion and kindness in this blessed month to overcome exceptional times united in peace.”

Ways to contribute

Interested donors can visit the website www.10millionmeals.ae to make a purchase of a preferred number of meals to be distributed to disadvantaged individuals and families.

Corporates and individuals can also send donations through SMS (Etisalat and Du) to numbers listed on the website or deposit the preferred amount to Dubai Islamic Bank with account number AE430240001580857000001.

People also have the chance to donate packaged or canned food supplies or arrange food parcels for distribution through directly contacting the campaign’s organizing team on the free toll number 8004006.

As part of the campaign, the team will ensure distributing food parcels to families and cooked meals to laborers throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan. In collaboration with partnering food suppliers and catering companies, meals will be prepared in accordance with the UAE Food Bank safety guidelines.