Dubai Duty Free donates Dhs5m to '1 Billion Meals Initiative'

Dubai Duty Free has announced a donation of Dhs5 million to the "1 Billion Meals initiative", as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility drive.

Organised by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the campaign provides food support to the underprivileged and the undernourished in 50 countries around the world, especially vulnerable groups such as children, refugees, displaced persons and those affected by disasters and crises.

Dubai Duty Free, whose donation is equivalent to five million meals, is one of several UAE companies that are making a significant financial contribution to 1 Billion Meals initiative, which is helping to alleviate the hunger experienced by 800 million people worldwide every day.

Commenting on the donation, Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO of Dubai Duty Free, said, "We are honoured to support the 1 Billion Meals initiative organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, which keeps on growing in scope year after year, reflecting the country’s relief and humanitarian aid priorities. Since we started the Dubai Duty Free Foundation in October 2004, we have been participating in worthy endeavours with several local and international charities and this great initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, represents an exceptional opportunity for Dubai Duty Free to celebrate and show its gratitude to the nation and its leadership that inspires and encourages people to help people in need."

The "1 Billion Meals" initiative is providing direct access to food supplies to some of the most disadvantaged communities around the world, as is doing so in coordination with the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP), the Food Banking Regional Network (FBRN), the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment (MBRCH), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UAE Food Bank, as well as a number of charity and humanitarian organisations.

Donors can contribute to the 1 Billion Meals initiative through the following donation channels: the campaign’s official website: www.1billionmeals.ae; bank transfer to the campaign’s account at Emirates NBD, number: AE300260001015333439802. Donors can also opt to donate Dhs1 a day through a monthly subscription by sending "Meal" or "وجبة" via SMS to 1020 on the du network or 1110 on the Etisalat network. Donations can also be made through campaign’s call center via a toll-free number 8009999.

WAM