Sunny Varkey receives CEO award for CSR work

The award recognizes Mr. Varkey's considerable achievements in supporting charities over the last 30 years.

Mr Varkey was selected as the winner of this year's award by a special panel of judges who examined the performances of a number of companies and individuals across all sectors of business. The award comes soon after Mr. Varkey pledged Dhs100m to the Dubai Cares Campaign launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Commenting on the award Anil Bhoyrul, Group Editor of ITP Executive said Mr. Varkey's many years of charitable giving is the foundation of his recognition in the inaugural CEO Middle East Awards.

'Mr. Varkey has demonstrated a special spirit of giving throughout his business career as an entrepreneur and pioneer of the education and health sectors in the UAE and overseas', he said. 'His generosity to Dubai Cares programme has been the pinnacle of his giving, however, his award reflects the important charitable role he has played for the last three decades.'

As chairman of the Varkey Group, Mr. Sunny Varkey has spearheaded the development of high quality education through GEMS Education, and healthcare, through Welcare World. His personal giving has been his hallmark, however in accepting the award he highlighted the important role everyone can play in supporting worthy causes.

'Since my family came to Dubai in 1959, we have striven to demonstrate an ethos of world citizenship and universal values. We believe wholeheartedly in the teaching of supporting charities and raising money as a way all young people can learn to help the world around them. It is an honor to accept this award on behalf of all people who have been in the Varkey Group community over the years who have learnt so much by raising many millions of dirhams for others. It pleases me enormously to realize that many people we have come in contact with over the years are now parents themselves teaching their children similar values'.

Over the past fifteen years Sunny Varkey has contributed Dhs200m privately and through the group's organisations in direct support and as contributions to programmes and organisations that help improve the lives of children and communities. Through GEMS Cares, more than 2,600 children benefit directly from subsidised education and GEMS scholarships alone. Sunny Varkey was also lead sponsor for the Pratham Gala dinner that was held to raise funds for the 'Read India' initiative.

In addition to the group's contributions, the community of GEMS Schools - students, parents and teachers organise fundraising events in support of community based organisations and initiatives. These grass roots programmes organised by GEMS students generate over Dhs3.7m annually.