Unsung heroes: a big ‘thank you’
The UAE is celebrating the spirit of Ramadan with the pillars of the region — cab drivers and blue-collared workers. After eight successful editions of its ‘Iftar for Cabs’ campaign, Marriott International picked one day of this holy month to gift food packs to cab drivers who drove through the main entrance during the Iftar hour. The packs were prepared by catering teams across participating Marriott hotels in the Middle East.
Appreciative of the efforts of cabbies in Ras Al Khaimah, RAK Hospital has introduced the Nazar Ayeni (Arabic for ‘my eyesight’) programme for the prevention of preventable blindness. The hospital is offering free eye screenings to cab drivers and also providing free consultation, if required, post the screening. At the launch of the initiative, hundreds of cab drivers were gifted Iftar packages by the hospital during the annual Iftar distribution.
Echoing a similar vibe, Speedex, a tools and hardware superstore, is paying tribute to labourers with the installation of collection boxes that provide UAE labour camps with hygiene items such as toothpastes, toothbrushes, shampoos, soaps, razors, cotton t-shirts and caps. Speedex has joined hands with Emirates Red Crescent for this initiative.
“Since we’re in the tools and hardware business, we know the amount of work that goes into building a city as beautiful as Dubai. So, we decided to give back and support the unsung heroes of the city,” said Mustafa Moiz, managing director, Speedex.
The initiative has received tremendous support from Safa British School as well. The school has arranged for a donation collection box on its campus to facilitate the programme. “The initiative by Speedex has given children at our school the opportunity to promote good citizenship. Donating hygiene products has given them an opportunity to show their gratitude and that they care,” said Carole Ansell, assistant head teacher, Safa British School.