UAE. Dubai Airports’ latest charity campaign has raised AED1.25 million (US$ 340,600) for international eye care charity Orbis.
The ‘Your Sight, Our Happiness’ campaign was launched in March and involved a number of fundraising activities. The amount raised is enough to help restore the sight of as many as 31,000 children suffering from cataracts worldwide, Dubai Airports said.
A charity luncheon was sponsored by Emirates Flight Catering, with corporate entities able to donate by sponsoring tables. Individuals attending the event were offered the opportunity to sponsor cataract eye surgeries through donation coupons worth AED 40 (US$10.90) per surgery.
A Plane Pull contest involved 10 teams from across the airport community competing to pull a 747 National Air Cargo plane the furthest distance. The teams also contributed a donation to Orbis via the UAE Red Crescent.
Sporting contests such as basketball, foosball and bowling were also organised with participants playing blindfolded to raise awareness about daily challenges faced by those with visual impairments.
“We are very happy with the outcome of the campaign,” said Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths. “It is deeply satisfying to know that the collective efforts and generosity of employees of Dubai Airports and our partners, as well as the support and contribution from corporate entities will help improve the lives of thousands of children by restoring their sight.”
Orbis UK CEO Rebecca Cronin said: “We are so thankful to Dubai Airports for choosing Orbis to benefit from the wonderful ‘Your Sight Our Happiness’ event. The loyal support of the aviation community and the incredible amount raised through the Plane Pull will allow us to reach even more children desperately in need of sight-saving treatments.
“A child who can see is a child who has a chance of an education, employment and a chance to contribute to his community and to flourish. On behalf of us all at Orbis, I would like to particularly thank His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum for his leadership and his generosity.”
