DUBAI: The “Humanitarian of the Year 2020” at the Arab Woman Awards UAE awarded to H.H. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of UAE Food Bank, for her leadership of the “10 Million Meals” campaign.
During the Holy month of Ramadan, 15.3 million meals and food parcels were distributed to support low-income families and individuals affected by the COVID-19 outbreak by UAE’s biggest food distribution drive.
The nationwide campaign was launched by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, MBRGI, in collaboration with the Social Solidarity Fund Against COVID-19. Massive donations from 180,000 individuals and entities from 116 nationalities and attracted 1,500 volunteers were received in only three weeks.
The Arab Woman Awards is held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, in partnership with UN Women, the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.
Since the launch of UAE Food Bank in 2017, Sheikha Hind has been leading it as an integrated humanitarian system. surplus food from restaurants, the hospitality sector, and food establishments has been collected and redistributed to the needy in the country. Numerous partnerships were also signed by UAE Food Bank with government, private, and charity organizations to extend its outreach across the country.
Commenting on the recognition, Sheikha Hind, said, “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the main supporter of the various humanitarian initiatives that continue to cement the UAE’s status as a beacon of hope and a pioneer in creating a better future for humanity.” She added that Emirati women have adopted values of compassion and generosity from our leaders who have taught us to aid needy and vulnerable people to build stable and safe societies. She also praised the UAE’s women empowerment strategy effectively executed with the support and directives of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
Dr. Moez Doraid, UN Women Regional Director, Arab States, said, “Women’s leadership is crucial to ensure that no one is left behind in the global response to COVID-19. The ‘10 Million Meals’ campaign led by H.H. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum demonstrates the impact of Emirati women’s leadership.”
Charity organizations, businessmen and companies contributed 6.8 million and 5.7 million meals respectively. The campaign’s website received donations to provide 1.4 million meals, and 771,000 meals came from SMS donations. The call centre received in-kind donations that exceeded 726,000 meals. The World’s Tallest Donation Box was launched to illuminate Burj Khalifa’s 1.2 million lights, donating one meal for each light, in a gesture of global solidarity.
Selection of the Humanitarian of the Year award was unanimous.
Source: wam.ae
