A billion Meals in Ramadan food aid receives Dh247 mln

UAE's Ramadan food campaign One Billion Meals Endowment has raised Dh247 million in its first week.

Launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the drive started on the first day of Ramadan and will run until the target of raising enough for one billion meals is met.

The campaign received donations from 13,220 major contributors, individuals and businesses in both the public and private sectors.

Organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, this year's campaign will take a different approach from previous initiatives rolled out during the holy month.

Instead of donations being spent directly on food parcels, they will go into endowment funds from which financial returns will be spent on feeding those in need. The aim is to ensure the principal sum steadily grows, allowing vital aid to be delivered for years to come.

The One Billion Meals campaign website has details of several options for donors. Money can be pledged online, either monthly or in a one-off donation. Donations can be by SMS message through Etisalat or Du, via the DubaiNow app, or through a bank transfer.