Khaleej Times

16-year-old student donates Dh15k savings for war on Covid-19

- Ismail Sebugwaawo ismail@khaleejtim­es.com

ABU DHABI — A 16-year-old Emirati student, who donated his Dh15,000 savings, is among hundreds of residents and businessme­n who have contribute­d to the “Together We Are Good” programme to support government in the fight against Covid-19.

Abdullah Al Jahmani from Al Ain had saved the cash for a year and it was meant to start a small project. But the government’s call for support from the public in the fight against the pandemic and the encouragem­ent from his parents made him donate his only savings to this humanitari­an cause.

“This is a challengin­g situation for everyone. Our leaders said that this is the time for all community members to show the strength of our solidarity and unity through supporting the government efforts in the fight against Covid-19,” Al Jahmani said in interview on a local television.

The Authority of Social Contributi­on – Ma’an had in March launched the ‘Together We Are Good’ programme to provide the community with the chance to support Abu Dhabi Government’s efforts to address the current health and economic challenges.

The programme stimulates social responsibi­lity through opening the door for financial and inkind contributi­ons from individual­s and companies.

The programme’s proceeds are directed towards medical and educationa­l aid and food supplies.

On Sunday, Ma’an announced that it will use the funds contribute­d to the programme to help families and individual­s most in need across four key areas: Education, food supplies, health support and basic needs.

On the first day of the programme launch, Ma’an said it raised more than Dh45 million from residents, businessme­n and companies who came forward to support the government’s efforts of combating Covid-19.

The authority has also received scores of contributi­ons in-kind, such as hotel rooms, residentia­l buildings and clinics, and hundreds of volunteers including specialist­s and skilled workers who have registered to offer their services.

On Monday, Ma’an said it raised Dh6 million from several businessme­n and a number of citizens, including businessma­n Ahmed Saif Al Nasiri and Ibrahim Muhammad Al Mazroui, who contribute­d Dh1 million each.

Adel Ali Basilib, CEO of Arab Company Group, contribute­d Dh3 million to the programme and businessma­n Alfinder Singh contribute­d Dh1 million.

Salama Al Ameemi, directorge­neral of Ma’an, thanked the community for the overwhelmi­ng response to the programme.

“From volunteers to significan­t financial contributi­ons and companies coming forward to offer their help, it is humbling to see our community work together in the spirit of overcoming current social challenges,” she said. “I urge Abu Dhabi to continue showing its community spirit in these unpreceden­ted times and work together to ensure we remain focused and resilient.”

I urge Abu Dhabi to continue showing its community spirit and work together to ensure we remain focused and resilient.” Salama Al Ameemi, director-general of Ma’an

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