ABU DHABI 29 March 2020: More than Dh100 million has been contributed to the ‘Together We Are Good’ programme by communities across Abu Dhabi as residents and businesses came together to tackle current health challenges.
Since launching on Monday, the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an has received more than 601 calls and 4,230 SMS messages with people making financial or in-kind contributions as well as volunteering their time and expertise.
As well as raising more than Dh100 million in four days, there has been an overwhelming response for in-kind contributions from communities with 512 people signing up as volunteers and in-kind contributions ranging from hospitals, clinics, hotel rooms, compounds, villas and apartments, cars, meals, industrial buildings, tents, farms and land space.
‘Together We Are Good’ channels the community’s efforts towards the present health and economic challenges. By working alongside relevant partners, the funds will be put towards providing medical and educational aid as well as food supplies, according to the social priorities of the Government of Abu Dhabi.
As the first project of Ma’an’s Social Fund which enables community contributions to help solve social challenges, the ‘Together We Are Good’ programme encourages social responsibility by providing a platform for individuals and companies to contribute financially or through in-kind contributions. The Social Fund is the official government channel to receive contributions from the community to tackle pressing social challenges and the ‘Together We Are Good’ programme will continue to support the health sector on an ongoing basis.
Stand-out contributions
Stand-out contributions received in the first four days include a Dh20 million donation from businessman Dr Abdulkader Sankari and his sons – a gesture of gratitude for the support that the country has given business owners over the years.
The businessman, who is the Chairman of Sankari Investment Group and Paris Fashion Group welcomed the ‘Together We Are Good’ programme.
Dr Abdulkader Sankari said: “I would like to thank the UAE leaders and people for the tremendous efforts they are making to address this global epidemic. As a gesture that recognises what the UAE has given me, my children and I are honoured to donate Dh20 million towards the ‘Together We Are Good’ programme.
“The country has taken the necessary measures to keep us all safe and I would like to thank all the medical staff who are working around the clock to protect us from coronavirus that is widely spreading around the world.”
Other contributions include:
- Dh10m from Muhammad Abd al-Rahman al-Bahr
- Dh5m from Naji Hasan Al Harthi
- Dh2m from Salem Hamad Al-Shuaibi
- Dh 1m from Ahmed Juma Al Zaabi
Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of Ma’an, said: “We are truly humbled by the response that the ‘Together We Are Good’ programme has had so far. The contributions we have received from Abu Dhabi, and across the UAE, is tangible evidence of the cohesive and collaborative community that we hope to achieve through Ma’an’s initiatives.
“These are unprecedented times but Abu Dhabi has a hugely philanthropic society and our community has shown that it is ready to step up and do what it can to be part of the national effort. No matter how small or large, I encourage everyone who have not done so, to contribute in any way they can.”
Participants wishing to contribute financially can send SMS messages to 6670 (Dh1,000), 6678 (Dh500), 6683 (Dh100) and 6658 (Dh50). They can also call 8005-MAAN for volunteering and in-kind and financial contributions above Dh1,000 or send messages on WhatsApp on 0543055366. Transfers can also be made via First Abu Dhabi Bank using the IBAN number: AE100351011003988349032. In-kind contributions include equipment, buildings, services, and time as well as expert volunteering efforts.
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