Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Aviation Group has launched a community programme that will deliver 400 meals per day to charity. The initiative will be held throughout 2018 and beyond, with approximately 150,000 meals to be donated every year.
As part of its
sustainability and corporate social responsibility efforts, the Abu Dhabi-based
airline has teamed up with the Grace Conservation Programme of Emirates Red
Crescent and Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority to donate inflight meals to
labourer residences in the Mussaffah area of Abu Dhabi.
In line with the 2018 Year
of Zayed, the initiative was announced in early Ramadan to promote a spirit of
sharing during the Holy Month.
The project is aligned
with the sustainability pillar of the Year of Zayed. The meals are initially
prepared for the airline’s three on board cabins – First Class, Business Class and
Economy Class – and are then transported in a purpose-designed truck to keep
them fresh. Emirates Red Crescent will provide an equipped kitchen and trucks
to collect and store meals for distribution.
Khaled AlMehairbi,
Senior Vice President and General Manager Etihad Airport Services Ground – Abu
Dhabi Hub and CSR Strategy, said: “We are strongly committed to the local community
and proudly support various charities worldwide. Etihad is always looking at
new ways to extend the reach of our charitable and humanitarian efforts.
“This drive is guided
by the values and legacy of our late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al
Nahyan. He inspires and motivates us to share and give back to the communities
we are living and operating in.”
Sultan Al Shehi,
General Manager, Grace Conservation Programme of Emirates Red Crescent, said:
“We are excited to launch this initiative in collaboration with Etihad Aviation
Group and Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority. This partnership reflects Abu
Dhabi’s spirit of sharing and giving. We have worked together with Etihad
Aviation Group to support many charitable and humanitarian activities. However,
this partnership is especially important for its size and scale.”
The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority hailed the
drive as encouraging the efforts of UAE charity and humanitarian actors in
supporting the local community. The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, as part
of its robust relationship with the Grace Conservation Programme of Emirates
Red Crescent, ensures the quality and safety of the meals. It promotes
awareness of the Emirates Red Crescent staff on healthy food packaging,
transportation and storage. The authority will oversee the delivery of the
meals from Etihad Aviation Group to the Grace Conservation Programme,
monitoring all the related steps of collection and distribution.
Etihad Aviation Group operates to a
comprehensive CSR agenda during Ramadan, with many other charity and community
activities planned for the local community in the UAE as well as India, Sri
Lanka, Vietnam, and other parts of the world.