DUBAI 21 April 2020: Contributions have been pouring in for the ’10 million meals’ campaign launchedon Sunday by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The campaign is the nation’s biggest food distribution drive to provide food support for those affected by the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. The campaign will be led by his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of UAE Food Bank, said Wam.
Meanwhile, Dr Ahmed Al Haddad, Grand Mufti of Dubai and director of the fatwa department at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai, urged donors to support the ’10 million meals’ campaign as it provides an ensured delivery of food to the homes of beneficiaries, creating an element of confidence. “As part of this campaign, meals will reach only those in dire need for food after losing their income during these exceptional circumstances.”
He added that supporting the Ramadan campaign counts as providing food for those fasting, as it gives the same deeds or rewards of the person fasting. “Providing meals this year fulfills the Zakat, feeds those fasting and helps the needy,” Al Haddad said.
Therefore, he added, every person whose finances permit must help the needy or those affected by the global crisis this year.
How to donate
The ’10 million meals’ campaign brings together entities, companies, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, as well as the general public to make financial or in-kind donations. Companies and individuals can purchase a number of meals online or donate packaged and canned food supplies or provide logistical services to facilitate food distribution to disadvantaged families and individuals from different nationalities living across the UAE.
The UAE Food Bank, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, and UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE) will carry out the ’10 million meals’ campaign in collaboration with ministries, federal and local entities and humanitarian and charitable organizations in the UAE.
Interested donors can purchase a preferred number of meals online at www.10millionmeals.ae to be distributed to disadvantaged individuals and families.
Companies and individuals can also donate through SMS (Etisalat and Du) to numbers listed on the website.
Donors can also make a transfer to ’10 million meals’ campaign bank account at Dubai Islamic Bank with IBAN number: AE4302-4000-1580-8570-00001.
For in-kind contributions, donors have the chance to provide packaged or canned food supplies or arrange food parcels for distribution through directly contacting the campaign’s organizing team on the toll-free number 8004006.
Launched by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) in collaboration with the Social Solidarity Fund Against Covid-19, the ’10 million meals’ campaign aims to provide food support for families and individuals affected by the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
The campaign aims to strengthen the sense of community and social cohesion in the UAE through encouraging people to come together and provide food support to disadvantaged families and individuals at a time where many are left facing unemployment and major income reductions. It promotes the values of compassion and benevolence, key aspects of the holy month of Ramadan.
‘Your City Needs You’ distributes 500,000 free meals
Government teams along with volunteers from all over the emirate are working around the clock to secure the safety and health of the community under the ‘Your City Needs You’ campaign, part of the ‘Day for Dubai’ app launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai in March.
The volunteer efforts support the comprehensive sterilisation programme and preventive measures undertaken to counter the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). The campaign, supported by volunteers of different nationalities, covers highly populated districts in Dubai like Al Ras, Naif, Al Raffa, Al Karama, Al Mankhool, Al Satwa and Oud Metha.
It’s conducted in close collaboration with Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department which recently launched the Community Solidarity Fund Against Covid-19. The Fund enables individuals and organisations to channel their contributions to the right organisations in order to support the most vulnerable people.
The ‘Your City Needs You’ campaign consolidates the efforts of many humanitarian organisations, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable Establishment, Dar Al Ber Society, Tarahum Charity Foundation, Beit Al Khair Society, Dubai Charity Association and Dubai KMCC.
As of Monday, the ‘Your City Needs You’ campaign has attracted 12,230 volunteers from 40 nationalities between the ages of 18 and 53.
Director General of Watani Al Emarat Foundation Dherar Belhoul Al Falasi affirmed that selfless volunteering is a key hallmark of progressive communities and is deeply embedded in the UAE ethos. Al Falasi praised the collaboration between various government departments and thanked Dubai’s residents for their cooperation and commitment to abiding by the preventive measures outlined by authorities. He also thanked the volunteers for their efforts, commitment and dedication, which have helped many people overcome challenges during the current period.
The Director General of Watani Al Emarat advised the public to be wary of fake news being spread in this environment. He called on all members of the public to deal responsibly with information received from unknown sources and rely only on trustworthy and official sources for news on Covid-19.
Dh20 million to support 10 million meals campaign
The Mohammed bin Rashid Humanitarian and Charity Establishment (MBRCH) announced dedicating Dh20 million to support the ’10 million meals’ campaign.
Ibrahim Mohammed Bu Melha, Advisor of the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of MBRCH, said the ’10 million meals’ campaign reflects the finest expression of human solidarity and harmony as it brings people together to support those in need.
“The campaign presents a humanitarian opportunity for people across all segments of the society to support the vulnerable in such exceptional circumstances through food, one of the basic necessities to safeguard lives.”
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