Sahara Centre Ramadan Charity Auction collects Dhs250,000

The weekly Ramadan Charity Auction, the first-of-its-kind auction at any shopping centre in the UAE, was held over four weeks and reiterated the spirit of sharing and giving during the holy month.

The Sahara Ramadan Charity Auction was conducted live in the mall with a wide array of luxury items like cars, home theatre systems, Umra packages, 19th Century Holy Quran manuscripts, Islamic paintings, handicraft items as well as electronics items under the gavel.

Commenting on the success of the charity auction, Jean Pierre Nammour, Managing Director of Sahara Centre, said: "We are privileged to announce that the Sahara Ramadan Charity Auction was a great success and we accomplished our prime objective to encourage people to think about those who are less fortunate than us."

The charity auction witnessed a huge response from the customers with the promotions lined up in the mall catering to people of all age-groups with a number of value-added offers, unbelievable bargains including discounts up to 70 per cent at select outlets and a variety of cuisines at the largest foodcourt for families spending Iftar together throughout the Ramadan campaign.

After winning the Holy Quran at the Sahara Ramadan Charity Auction, Noora Hassan, a UAE national said "I am extremely delighted to own this historic religious manuscript and intend to preserve it for future generations".

"The auction session is extremely nail biting as every bidder is actively participating in it. We are delighted as we are bidding for a cause and it creates an excellent opportunity for networking", said Ms. Hassan, bidder at the mall.

Mr. Jihad Abdul Qader from Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, said: "Most of the malls have interesting promotions lined up during the Holy Month. But we are extremely grateful to Sahara Centre in designing a unique concept to inspire people to donate for a noble cause during Ramadan. These proceeds will be effectively used by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services in enhancing the lives of the underprivileged and this mode of conduct stands as an example for others to follow."

Rima Chammas, Marketing Manager, Sahara Centre, said:

"Sahara Centre Ramadan Charity Promotion received a huge response and we are glad that the participants joined with enthusiasm. We are happy that we could conceptualize a charity auction like this during Ramadan, which clearly differentiates Sahara Centre as a mall with a vision, bringing us closer to the community that we serve."

Visitors can look forward to interesting and exciting promotions at Sahara Centre as part of the Sharjah Spring Promotion 2008 celebrations.