Donations continue for the ’10 million meals’ campaign as Al Ansari Exchange pledged Dh1.2 million to provide 150,000 meals to communities affected by the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak in the UAE.

Within the first week of its launch, the campaign exceeded its target after drawing donations for more than 11 million meals to be distributed to low-income individuals and families across the country throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

About 39,000 donors provided the value of 412,000 meals through SMS and 7,000 donors paid for 859,000 meals on the website. In-kind donations received through the campaign’s call center totaled 163,000 meals, while public and private entities and humanitarian organizations collectively donated 9.6 million meals.

Mohammed Ali Al Ansari, Chairman of Al Ansari Exchange, said supporting humanitarian initiatives presents an integral part of the corporate social responsibility in the UAE that cements its status as a global beacon of hope and humanity.

“The UAE has offered endless opportunities for companies, entrepreneurs and institutions. The ’10 million meals’ campaign presents an opportunity to return the favor by supporting financially distressed families and individuals amid the global coronavirus pandemic.”

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced last week the launch of the ’10 million meals’ campaign to provide food support to families and individuals affected by the Covid-19 pandemic that left many facing unemployment and income reductions.

The campaign is led by his wife Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of UAE Food Bank.

The ’10 million meals’ campaign enables individuals, entities and companies to make financial and in-kind contributions towards providing meals or food parcels to individuals and families affected by the global Covid-19 pandemic across the country throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

The overarching Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) will oversee the ’10 million meals’ campaign in collaboration with the Social Solidarity Fund Against Covid-19.

Four ways to donate

Individuals and entities can make financial or in-kind donations to provide food assistance to people in need as part of the ’10 million meals’ campaign.

Donors can purchase a preferred number of meals online at www.10millionmeals.ae to be distributed to disadvantaged individuals and families across the country. They can also donate via SMS (Etisalat and Du) to numbers listed on the website.

Donors can make a transfer to ’10 million meals’ campaign bank account at Dubai Islamic Bank with IBAN no.:AE430240001580857000001.

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.