UAE businessman Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor donated a total of Dh10 million to the ‘1 Billion Meals initiative’, an ongoing activity by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) that started at the beginning of Ramadan.
This is one of the largest of its kind initiative in the region, being held in cooperation with the United Nation’s World Food Programme (WFP), to provide food support to the underprivileged and the undernourished, especially children, refugees, displaced persons, and those affected by natural disasters and crises.
Al Habtoor’s contribution will greatly help needy communities in 50 countries, providing essential foodstuffs for distribution by Al Habtoor Group. The group will coordinate with MBRGI and the various agencies involved in the initiative such as 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, and local charity institutions in beneficiary countries.
UAE demonstrates the spirit of generosity
Donations and contributions from business sectors, companies, and government and private sector institutions have poured in for the ‘1 Billion Meals’ initiative since the beginning and the project is providing a food safety net for vulnerable groups around the world. This reflects the moral responsibility and humanitarian commitment of the UAE.
The initiative has also witnessed broad public engagement, represented by the willingness of individuals from all segments of society and of different age groups to donate to the initiative.
A role model in humanitarian work
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, founding chairman, of Al Habtoor Group, said: “I find it shocking that in the 21st century, hundreds of millions are still dying from starvation. We all have a duty to help eliminate such evils according to our means.”
He added: “Under the leadership of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we are setting a noble example by implementing principles ingrained in us from our fathers and grandfathers related to philanthropy more faithfully than any other part of the globe. We have long invested in good causes for the betterment of humanity without differentiating between the beneficiaries’ nationality, religion, or skin colour.
“And I am grateful for my ability to contribute to the ‘1 Billion Meals’ initiative organized by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.”
Furthermore, he suggested that the people must actively contribute to this national mission to provide resources to the needy and poor as an act of gratitude to God Almighty for all the goodness he has given to the world.
Additionally, he also commented that every little effort results in one step closer to the target of the initiative.
