Retailer teams up with Jalila Foundation against COVID-19

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

Choithram International Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Choithrams has announced an emergency grant to Al Jalila Foundation, a member of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.

According to the details, the Choithram International Foundation has allocated the grant of AED 100,000 for the Foundation’s response capacity towards securing the nation against global pandemics including COVID-19. The partnership is inspired by the leadership of the UAE that has called upon the nation to unite during this critical time.

Choithrams was swift to respond and immediately implemented a multi-faceted plan to provide the most vulnerable and exposed segment of the community with personal protective equipment kits. The move aims to safeguard the recipients from the threat of COVID-19 outbreak within closed staff accommodation camps and their away-from-work living environments. As more and more organizations commit to the safety of employees and customers, Choithrams is taking a step further to provide protection to those members of the community who have limited access to personal protective gear by collaborating with Al Jalila Foundation.

L.T. Pagarani, Chairman Choithram Foundation said, “This is not the time for short term gains. We stand together, and we seek to work with our partners to ensure Dubai remains safe in the short as well as long-term. Our collaboration with Al Jalila Foundation will help realize this vision with immediate positive impact. Further, we are taking active measures in-store and online to ensure safety for all. This is what Choithrams’ ‘Full of Goodness’ vision is about.”

He further added, “Operating at the heart of supply chain, we understand that distribution of personal protective equipment in this critical time needs to be managed carefully to curb transmission of the disease. We look forward to extending our circle of goodness towards keeping the UAE safe.”

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said, “It’s inspiring to see all sectors of society come together to support the UAE’s incredible efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic. This is a collective fight and we must each do our part to protect the health and safety of our communities so that we can emerge from this stronger. We are grateful to Choithrams for the generous donation; with the support of our partners the investments we make today will pave the way for groundbreaking medical discoveries that could save millions of lives.”

Among the 1,200 items of personal protective equipment donated are: sanitization gel, gloves, wet wipes, face tissues and medical masks. The items are packed inside a kit, each kit will help a recipient follow the personal hygiene guidelines advocated by the local health authorities.

However, as a corporate force for good, Procter & Gamble (P&G) is continuing with its endeavors to support communities and people, a practice that has been ingrained in the company’s culture for more than a century. This Ramadan’s campaign, “Bring joy to a child”, supports the Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives.

As part of this year’s efforts, P&G is donating to the Al Jalila Foundation, the global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical research, education and treatment. More specifically, the funds will be given to ‘Farah’ – the Foundation’s paediatric program, which provides life-saving care, supports cutting-edge research and offers hope to countless children and their families.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Our paediatric treatment program, Farah, helps to spread joy and happiness to children suffering from heart disease, cancer and other chronic illnesses. Since inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has invested in groundbreaking research to discover new medical solutions to ensure the long-term health and well-being of patients. Today, children benefit from tremendous advancements in medicine such as vaccines that enable them to lead happy, healthy lives and realise their full potential. With the generous support of P&G we will continue with our research, education and treatment efforts to transform lives and benefit generations to come.”