20 Mar 2016 17:00
Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Honorary Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Autism, Etihad Airways has hosted its fourth annual fundraising event ‘Walk for a Cause’.
More than 5,200
participants of all ages gathered at Al Mushrif Central Park in Abu Dhabi on
Friday 18 March to take part in the event’s
30 minute walkathon.
All funds raised at
the event will go towards the building a new rehabilitation centre in Abu Dhabi
for the Emirates Autism Society, and the refurbishment of a school in India.
Her Highness Sheikha
Shamsa bint Hamdan Bin Mohamed Al Nahyan praised Etihad Airways for organising
the event, which demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting
initiatives that bring about social development and the sustainable betterment
of regional communities.
The event was also attended by His Highness Sheikh
Thiyab Bin Khalifa Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Eugenia Davis, Council of the United
States of America, Colonel Abdulrahman Al Swaidi, Ministry of Interior, Shayma
Nawaf Fawwaz, Chief Executive Officer of GOSSIP, Her Excellency Mariem Al Rumaithi,
Board Member of Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special
Needs, and Dr Khawla Salem Rashed Al Saaedi, President’s representative of
Women and Health Alliance International.
Khaled Al Mehairbi, Senior Vice President of Abu
Dhabi Airport Operations and Chairman of the Sports and Social Committee at
Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad Airways is
committed to providing better care services to autistic children to improve
their quality of life.
“This is
part of our commitment to the continued development of our local community and
improving public health and increasing awareness of autism.
“The fun
non-competitive walking event has once again brought together the wider community
in Abu Dhabi, and we hope we will be able to raise awareness and vital
funds to support people in need - both in our home nation and globally.’’
The fun walk was open
to all ages, and upon registration participants received a pedometer and a
T-shirt with the event logo.
Mrs Athba Ali, a procurement manager at Etihad Airways
and a mother of two, said: “I am so happy and proud to be part of Etihad
Airways “Walk for A Cause” event. I’m delighted to see that the event has succeeded
in bringing everyone together to support such a worthy cause. We had a
wonderful time at the event and are very much looking forward to participating
at next year’s event.”
Live Bollywood music
and dancing ensured attendees were entertained throughout the day whilst Etihad
Airways organised a range of activities for the entire family including flight
simulator sessions with a cadet pilot and cooking workshops with an inflight
chef. Flying nannies were also on hand to supervise and entertain children in
the event’s dedicated Kids’ zone.
At the ‘quiz and win’
competition, attendees had the chance to win a number of prizes including Etihad
Airways economy class return tickets, duty free gifts, a one-year family
membership for Al Forsan International Sports Resort, a weekend stay at a 5
star hotel, dining vouchers for two people, a gift from Apparel Group and much
more.
The sponsors of this
year’s event were: Ministry of Interior, Emirates Autism Society, Abu Dhabi Media
Company, Emirates Red Crescent, Abu Dhabi Education Council, Abu Dhabi Sports
Council, Al Ain Water, Mushrif Central Park, Zayed Higher Organization, Verde,
Austin Reed, Glossip Milano, Indian Ladies Association, Gossip Café and Desserts,
Canon Middle East, Al Forsan International Sports Resort, LLH Hospital, Etihad Modern
Art Gallery, United Printing & Publishing, Silkor, Primavera Medical
Rehabilitation LLC, Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi Yas Island,
Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Royal Rose Hotel, Landmark Gulf Group, American Center for Special
Abilities, Boston Dental Center and Mercure Al Ain Grand Jebel Hafeet.